Guwahati, Oct 29: The Tezpur University Teachers’ Association (TUTA) has levelled serious allegations against the varsity administration, claiming financial anomalies in book procurement and accusing the management of neglecting the Assamese language by not purchasing a single Assamese book over the last two financial years.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, TUTA alleged that Vice Chancellor Prof. Sambhu Nath Singh approved purchases only from a select group of Delhi-based publishers, thereby influencing the procurement process and bypassing empanelled vendors. The association demanded an independent probe into the alleged misuse of public funds.

According to TUTA, the university received ₹6.5 crore under UGC grant-in-aid for capital assets in 2024–25, of which ₹5.72 crore was earmarked for books and journals. Nearly ₹4.56 crore was spent, but records show that no Assamese books were procured, despite a sanctioned budget of ₹2.91 lakh for 146 titles under the Department of Assamese. The association further claimed that the same trend continued in 2025–26, raising questions about the administration’s intent and priorities.

TUTA argued that the absence of Assamese books for two consecutive years undermines the academic and cultural ethos of a central university located in Assam. It alleged that the final list of books procured was largely determined by the titles available with the chosen vendors, suggesting favouritism, conflict of interest, and possible financial irregularities.

The procurement controversy has added to simmering tensions on campus. Since mid-September, students and staff have accused the Vice Chancellor of showing disrespect to cultural icon Zubeen Garg during the state’s mourning period, prompting a magisterial probe and a fact-finding committee visit ordered by the Assam Governor.

Earlier this week, TUTA, the non-teaching employees’ association, and students jointly staged a procession against alleged deforestation and ecological damage on campus, accusing the administration of felling bamboo and trees under the guise of “beautification.”Responding to the allegations, Prof. Singh denied wrongdoing, stating that some individuals may have “misrepresented facts” and diverted attention from real issues. He added that he remained open to “sincere and respectful dialogue” with stakeholders, stressing that he preferred “forgiveness over resentment.”