Guwahati: Accusations of bias and allegations of bypassing qualified candidates are sparking controversy in Assam’s academic circles regarding the appointment of Vice Chancellors (VCs) to several state universities.
Six out of 19 state universities in Assam have VCs appointed from outside the state, with some having links to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organisation.
The list includes Assam Science and Technology University, Sri Aniruddhadev Sports University, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University, Kumar Bhaskar Verma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University, Bodoland University, and Birangana Sati Sadhani Rajyik Viswavidyalay.
The VCs of these six state universities are from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
The VCs of Assam’s two central universities—Assam University and Tezpur University are also from outside the state.
While Assam University VC Prof. Rajive Mohan Pant is from Uttar Pradesh, Tezpur University VC Prof. Sambhu Nath Singh hails from Bihar.
These appointments, critics say, have bypassed qualified Assamese academicians.
The selection process of VCs of the universities is under intense scrutiny. The Governor of Assam, who is also the Chancellor of the state universities, has been accused of constituting search-cum-selection committees biased towards the RSS ideology.
These committees, according to sources, are said to have chairman and members from outside Assam with RSS affiliations, facilitating the appointment of outsiders.
“This is a blatant disregard for our state’s talented scholars,” said a professor at a prominent university who wished to remain anonymous.
“There’s no dearth of qualified Assamese academics who could lead these universities,” he said.
The development has sparked concerns about potential saffronization of Assam’s educational institutions. The RSS is a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization.
“The government should ensure transparency and fairness in VC appointments,” said another academic.
“These universities deserve leaders who understand the specific needs and aspirations of Assam’s students,” he said.
Meanwhile, six universities in Assam–Nowgong University, Sivsagar University, North Lakhimpur University, JB University, Bongaigaon University and Gurucharan University–are awaiting the appointment of new VCs.
Whether these appointments will follow the same trend remains to be seen.