Senior Professor Dr. Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya stepped in as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University on Thursday night, assuming responsibility at a moment when the institution is witnessing days of student agitation, uncertainty over key administrative actions, and sharp disagreements among the academic community. Soon after taking over, Dr. Bhattacharyya stressed that the welfare of students will guide every decision during his tenure. Reiterating that transparency and cooperation are essential, he urged all stakeholders to work collectively to restore a peaceful and academically focused environment. He added that the broader goal is to strengthen Tezpur University’s reputation as a thoughtful and credible centre of higher learning in India. Tensions escalated earlier in the week after reports circulated about the supposed appointment of Prof.
Dr. Joya Chakraborty as the Pro-Vice Chancellor. Although no formal order confirming her appointment has been issued, the rumour alone sparked strong reactions from students and faculty members, who criticised the process as opaque and taken without dialogue. Many questioned the rationale behind recent administrative moves and accused the authorities of bypassing consultation norms. Clarifying the basis for Dr. Bhattacharyya’s new role, the university cited Statute 2(6) of the Tezpur University Act, 1993, which mandates that the senior-most professor must act as Vice Chancellor when the VC is absent or unable to discharge duties, provided a Pro-Vice Chancellor is not available. With the Vice Chancellor away for an extended period, the statute automatically applied, making it necessary for the senior professor to ensure continuity in leadership.
The official communication also referred to Section 40 of the Act, which offers protection to university officers acting in good faith under institutional rules. The administration noted that such safeguards are crucial at a time of heightened unrest, and argued that an immediate functioning authority was required, prompting the endorsement for Dr. Bhattacharyya to assume charge. Dr. Bhattacharyya, a faculty member from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, is widely regarded as composed, approachable, and academically accomplished. Many within the campus hope his presence may ease the tension that has disrupted routine activities for several days.