Irregularities Surface in Tripura University Executive Council Selection

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, August 22, 2025

Serious allegations of procedural violations and conflict of interest have rocked Tripura University following the recent update of its Executive Council list. The new council, chaired by Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shyamal Das, was announced amid mounting concerns over irregularities linked to decisions made by former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain.

According to sources, Prof. Prasain allegedly manipulated the selection of Executive Council members to secure personal benefits, including an extension of his tenure and employment for his son, Lalit Prasain. An Executive Council meeting held on August 14, just two days before Prof. Prasain’s term ended, has drawn sharp criticism. Insiders question its legality, especially given that discussions reportedly included the appointment of Prof. Chinmoy Roy’s daughter, while Prof. Roy himself was present as a council member. “How can a father participate in a meeting deciding on his own daughter’s appointment?” a source questioned.

Although Lalit Prasain later resigned, the meeting allegedly avoided formally addressing his resignation. Critics argue this indicates a deliberate attempt to retain influence and secure benefits. The controversial selections include Prof. Debajyoti Bhattacharjee, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Prof. Chinmoy Roy, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Law, Management, and Information Science. Both remain on the current Executive Council, raising calls for review. Additionally, Prof. Badal Kumar Datta has been nominated as a professor member.

Further controversy surrounds Prof. Prasain’s reported approval of recruitment files in his final days in office. This move contravenes Ministry of Education guidelines, which explicitly prohibit outgoing Vice-Chancellors from making recruitment or policy decisions within two months of their tenure’s end. The Ministry’s Vigilance Division, in its 2015 directive and reiterated in recent communications, has also barred in-charge Vice-Chancellors from making policy decisions, including appointments.

While three external members nominated by the Visitor remain on the council, two court-nominated positions are still vacant. Observers argue that Prof. Shyamal Das must initiate corrective measures to restore transparency and compliance with legal norms in university governance.

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