The Governor of Assam has constituted a fact-finding committee (Ref. No. GSA.161/2025/41 dated October 8, 2025) to investigate a series of serious allegations against Tezpur University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh, including fresh charges of recruitment irregularities. The committee will hold its sittings at Tezpur University from October 12 (Sunday, 11:00 AM) to October 13 (Monday, 6:00 PM).
Governor-Appointed Panel to Begin Hearings at Tezpur University
The inquiry panel chaired by Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, who will oversee the proceedings along with other members. In a formal letter to the Registrar of Tezpur University, Prof. Jalihal requested that the university provide a secured and neutral venue where individuals and groups can present grievances and submit documentary evidence related to the allegations.
To ensure transparency, the university administration has directed to widely publicize the sittings through local media outlets, encouraging stakeholders to come forward with information.
Proceedings to Be Held in Two Phases
The fact-finding process will conduct in two structured phases:
- Phase 1: Delegations of students, staff, and faculty members—comprising groups of five to six—will meet the committee to present written complaints and evidence.
- Phase 2: Individuals will have the chance to personally appear before the committee to offer statements and clarifications.
The committee has allotted seven days to submit its report and has assured that it will remain strictly within its mandate, focusing only on fact-based assessment of the allegations against the Vice-Chancellor.
Recruitment Controversy Adds to Existing Corruption Allegations
The latest charge against Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh involves irregularities in the recruitment of an Associate Professor in the Department of Education. Sources allege that the process manipulated to favor Akhilesh Kumar, who ultimately appointed despite initial ineligibility.
The controversy began when Tezpur University released a shortlist of 21 eligible candidates for the post on August 18, 2023. However, just a day before the scheduled interviews, a revised shortlist appeared on August 24, 2023, suddenly including Akhilesh Kumar’s name, which had not appeared earlier.
After the interviews, Kumar appointed, raising concerns of foul play and procedural violations. The revision, made without clear justification, has drawn sharp criticism from faculty circles and former administrators.
