ACKHSA worried at 'academic decline' in Assam University, warns of agitation

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: A decade long students' movement backed by mass participation for a central university for Barak Valley, North Cachar Hills and Karbi Anglong ultimately culminated in positive outcome.

A dream central university to meet the hopes and aspirations of higher education for students of South Assam and the hill districts became a reality. Established in 1994, expectations of students and academics were, quite naturally, high. This centre of high education was seen as a beacon light of knowledge for the region, opening new avenues of opportunities for research oriented works to take the university to newer heights of excellence.

But, it was not to be. Pradip Dutta Roy, founder president of All Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi Students' Association (ACKHSA), after the publication of list of 100 universities holding ranks in order of merit and other parameters by the Centre, made a scathingly critical observation on the Vice-Chancellor, Dilip Kumar Nath, and other higher authorities for the sad decline in the standard of Assam University. Most unfortunate, as Dutta Roy said, "Our dream university is nowhere in the list." In 2016, its rank was 77 while in 2017, it descended down to 92th position but made an upswing improving its position at 87th in 2018.

It is most unfortunate, pointed out Dutta Roy, that this year the performance of Assam University is quite disappointing.

He cited the example of Tejpur University also set up in 1994 for which AASU fought and got the central university. The performance of Tejpur University makes us proud. In the list, it ranks 36th among the 100 select universities of the country.

Founder ACKHSA attributed corruption in higher places of Assam University, fall in academic discipline and atmosphere, student unrest among others.

The Vice-Chancellor, Dilip Chandra Nath, in the midst of adverse reactions from educationists and academicians, held a press-meet to put the blame on frequent student strikes, affecting normal functioning of the university, badly disrupting the academic calendar.

Dutta Roy reminded him of bigger student agitation at Jadavpur University, Delhi University and JNU, but these centres of higher education continue to maintain ranks and positions.

If there is student unrest, he said the fault lies with the VC for his incompetence and inefficiency to run a Central University. He warned, "If things do not improve, ACKHSA along with AU Students' Union will go for mass movement to put the University back on track for better performance and better result."