TEZPUR: Students of Tezpur University in central Assam blocked the exit of Union higher education secretary Vineet Joshi’s convoy Saturday after a closed-door meeting on allegations against “absconding” vice chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh ended without any assurance of action, triggering fresh slogans demanding his resignation.Joshi said the education ministry was examining the allegations and had heard all stakeholders but made no comment on possible action against Singh, who has stayed away from the campus since Sept amid protests over alleged unauthorised construction, financial irregularities and questionable appointments.“Regarding the demand for an inquiry against the VC, the team from the education ministry said they will send a report to the President. On the role of Joya Chakraborty as pro-VC, they said a decision will be taken as the students, teachers and staff have been opposing her appointment,” teachers’ association president Prof Kusum Kumar Bania said.Anger escalated after the ministry team allegedly insisted on continuing Chakraborty as pro–VC. Chakraborty’s name was allegedly pushed by Singh during an online meeting of the central university’s board of management — a move students termed “illegal”. In a parallel development, senior faculty member Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya assumed charge as acting VC Thursday night under provisions of the Tezpur University Act, 1993, though the appointment still awaits ministry approval.The protest entered its 79th day Saturday, with students highlighting the university’s slide to 79th position in this year’s NIRF rankings. Sources said Joshi will hold another round of meetings Sunday at the governor’s house in Guwahati.
