The Bodoland Students’ Union (BSU) activists on Thursday launched an indefinite protest here demanding that a permanent vice-chancellor for the Bodoland University be appointed soon.
The students and BSU activists said they would continue their protests until the authorities concerned fulfil their demands including filling up all the vacant posts in the university.Hundreds of students and BSU activists participated in the protest.
Expressing displeasure over the extension of term of the incumbent VC Dr Hemanta Barua, BSU president Swgwmsar Basumatary said that VC Barua has completely failed to work for the development of the University.
“No development work has taken place in the university during the five-year stint of Barua. He has totally failed to deliver as a vice chancellor. He should be released from the university without further delay,” Basumatary said.
The BSU submitted a memorandum to Kokrajhar DC addressing to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
“It has been observed that the Vice-Chancellor has played the politics of division/groupism among the officers and teachers of the university. The university is subjected to serious media criticism and he mishandled the situation which is hampering the image and dignity of the institution,” BSU mentioned in the memorandum.
The organisation also stated in the memorandum that several important posts including Academic Registrar, Controller of Examinations, Librarian and Finance Officer have been lying vacant in the university for years.
“The tenure of existing Vice-Chancellor came to an end on September 17, 2018. As per the UGC rule Vice-Chancellor can’t handle/take decisions on major issues including appointment and promotion through selection committee two (2) months ahead of the date of retirement till his last working day in the university, as a result the existing Vice-Chancellor is rendered redundant.
“We the members of BSU express a serious concern over the fact that the Chancellor of Bodoland University and Governor, instead of appointing acting Vice-Chancellor, has allowed existing Vice-Chancellor Prof Hemanta Kumar Baruah to continue in the office of Vice-Chancellor till his successor join the office.
“As the university is still in nascent state, we urge you to take the initiative for the immediate appointment of an acting Vice-Chancellor from amongst the senior Professors of the university instead of allowing the existing vice chancellor in the office till the appointment of regular Vice -Chancellor for its proper and effective functioning,” the BSU said.