Malinee Goswami, head of the department of Assamese, Gauhati University has been appointed the new vice chancellor of Assam Women’s University, Jorhat.
Assam governor and chancellor of Gauhati University Jagdish Mukhi appointed Goswami as vice chancellor of the university, a notification issued by state higher education (technical) department said.
The appointment has been long overdue with the university which celebrated its 6th foundation day on Wednesday being headed by a Mentor since its inception.
KM Bujarbaruah, vice chancellor of Assam Agricultural University had been the mentor till he retired from the post of vice chancellor in July this year.
Ashok Bhattacharyya, who took over as in charge vice Chancellor was also officiating as the mentor till date.
Moreover, for the past six years after its establishment in 2014 following the passing of the Assam Women’s University Act 2013 by the Assam Legislative Assembly, the university has been functioning with 33 ad hoc teachers.
The appointment has brought much relief to the students and staff of the University who were suffering much heartburn with several batches passing out with only a provisional pass certificate.
The students had boycotted classes from March 19 after then state education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made contradictory statements on the floor of the Assembly and in front of media persons that the University would be degraded into a technical institute.
Sarma’s statements and consequent agitation by the students had drawn national attention including the support of All Assam Students Union, Students Federation of India, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti several other organisations.
After pressure mounted with students all over the state taking to the streets, the Government retracted its stand and speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami assured on the floor of the house that a vice chancellor and other officials would be appointed and the University would not be degraded.
On April 10, last year the students decided to resume classes after the Bihu vacation in April following the Speaker’s assurance.
