Guwahati: The Centre is yet to take a final decision on the report of a high-level inquiry committee that examined allegations against Tezpur University vice-chancellor (VC) prof Shambhu Nath Singh, prompting the university teachers’ body to question the delay and demand immediate clarity.The committee submitted its report to the Union ministry of education several months ago, according to the Tezpur University Teachers’ Association (TUTA).The ministry constituted the committee on Dec 31, 2025, under Section 9(1) of the Tezpur University Act, following protests over alleged financial and academic irregularities during prof Singh’s tenure as VC. The ministry also directed him to recuse himself and remain on leave.Prof Amarendra Kumar Das was later appointed pro-VC and took charge on Jan 7, 2026. TUTA said his appointment helped restore normal functioning at the university. Prof Singh has remained absent from the campus since then, it said.“As per the information available, the committee ultimately submitted its report to the ministry of education in May 2026. However, no final decision has so far been communicated to the university community, leaving unanswered questions over the committee’s recommendations, action taken by the competent authority and the present official status of Prof Singh,” TUTA president Kusum Kumar Bania said.In a media release issued on Sunday, TUTA said the issue had assumed further significance following a ministry communication dated Aug 7, 2026, advising the university to continue releasing prof Singh’s salary, with the stipulation that “final adjustment may be done later after the report and action taken thereon”.Sources said the university authorities had stopped releasing prof Singh’s salary about two months ago.TUTA also questioned the statutory basis for continuing to pay the full salary during the prolonged period in which prof Singh has remained away from his duties as VC.The teachers’ body sought urgent action on pending convocations, interviews for career advancement scheme promotions, key statutory appointments and infrastructure needs. It also called for a transparent statutory inquiry into allegations of procurement-related and other financial and administrative irregularities.The association acknowledged that academic and administrative normalcy had largely returned after prof Das assumed charge, with the cooperation of students, teachers, non-teaching employees and other stakeholders. However, it said the university could not continue indefinitely without a final decision on an inquiry concerning its highest office.
