National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Delegation Flags Alleged Irregularities and Constitutional Violations at Tripura University
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, July 1, 2026
A delegation of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), led by Commission Member Smt. Asha Lakhra, has reportedly identified several alleged irregularities and shortcomings at Tripura University (TU) during its visit on June 24, 2026, following interactions with Scheduled Tribe (ST) teachers, employees, students, research scholars and university officials.
According to stakeholders who met the Commission, the delegation received numerous complaints alleging exploitation, discrimination and deprivation of ST employees and students in matters relating to appointments, admissions, promotions and institutional representation. Several of the complaints, they claimed, involve alleged violations of the constitutional safeguards guaranteed under Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India, which ensure equality before law and equal opportunity in public employment.
Prior to the visit, the university had issued a notice on June 23, 2026, scheduling separate meetings between the NCST delegation and Scheduled Tribe employees, faculty members, officers, non-teaching staff, the Vice-Chancellor, Deans, senior professors and other university officials. Following the visit, on June 30, 2026, Tripura University constituted a Grievance Cell for ST/SC/OBC and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) under the direction of the NCST and with the approval of the competent authority. The committee is chaired by Prof. Jahar Debbarma, with representatives from different departments serving as members and Dr. Abhijit Choudhury as the Convener.
One of the major allegations placed before the Commission relates to the IGNOU Study Centre functioning at Tripura University. ST stakeholders alleged that since 2016-17, not a single Scheduled Tribe teacher or staff member has been given an opportunity to work at the Centre. They further alleged that appointments and extensions have continued year after year without issuing public advertisements, thereby denying eligible candidates an opportunity to compete.
Serious concerns were also raised regarding the appointment of a contractual Assistant Professor as an Assistant Coordinator at the IGNOU Study Centre. Complainants alleged that senior permanent ST faculty members were overlooked despite being eligible. They also questioned the validity of the officer's academic qualifications, claiming that complaints regarding the matter have already been submitted before the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other constitutional bodies, where they remain pending. Additional allegations claimed that two office-bearers from outside Tripura continue to receive remuneration even while remaining outside the state during university vacation periods.
The NCST delegation was also informed that Scheduled Tribe representation in various university committees remains disproportionately low. ST stakeholders alleged that members of the tribal community are frequently excluded from important committees, affecting their participation in decision-making processes within the university administration.
Another significant issue raised before the Commission concerns the implementation of reservation policies during admissions. According to the complainants, Tripura University allegedly treats Scheduled Tribe applicants from other states as ST candidates for admission against seats reserved for indigenous Scheduled Tribe students of Tripura. Stakeholders argued that, under the applicable legal position, such candidates should be treated under the Unreserved category for reservations earmarked specifically for Tripura's Scheduled Tribes. They alleged that this practice has continued over several academic sessions and has also been followed in the 2026-27 admission process, resulting in eligible tribal students from Tripura being deprived of reserved seats.
Similar allegations were raised regarding admissions to Ph.D. programmes. ST stakeholders claimed that research seats reserved for Scheduled Tribe candidates from Tripura have allegedly been allotted to candidates from outside the state who do not fall within the reservation criteria applicable to Tripura, thereby violating the reservation roster and reducing opportunities for local tribal scholars.
During the interaction, several ST employees also reportedly complained of discrimination, caste-based harassment and the use of offensive or unparliamentary language by certain university personnel. According to reliable sources, complaints relating to alleged caste-based abuse and harassment have reportedly been filed against a former Vice-Chancellor, a former Registrar, a serving Professor and an Engineer before different competent authorities. The allegations remain subject to appropriate inquiry and adjudication.
Sources further claimed that the NCST delegation expressed dissatisfaction over the manner in which the university administration handled both the complaints and the arrangements made for the Commission's visit. It is also reported that the Commission conveyed its displeasure to the State Government regarding the administrative arrangements and that Dr. Nirmal Reang, Deputy Registrar, was subsequently relieved of the responsibility of Liaison Officer.
Members of the Scheduled Tribe community have expressed concern over what they describe as continuing deprivation in appointments, promotions, admissions and the overall working environment at Tripura University. They have demanded immediate corrective measures, including adequate representation of ST teachers and employees in the IGNOU Study Centre and various university committees, as well as strict implementation of reservation norms during admissions to undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. programmes.
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