Gauhati varsity V-C withdraws resignation

The crisis that gripped Gauhati University last week, following resignation of Vice-Chancellor Amarjyoti Choudhury, came to an end on Monday with Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Singh stepping in and spelling out steps to solve the problems faced by the varsity. Choudhury tendered his resignation last week, saying he was unable to discharge his duties due to an apathetic attitude of the state Government.

An emergency meeting of the University’s executive council was held in Raj Bhavan on Monday. Education Minister Ripun Bora announced immediate release of Rs 25 crore apart from assurance of “total support” by the state Government. The Government would release the Rs 25 crore before December 31, the minister said.

The Vice-Chancellor on his part withdrew his resignation, while Governor Singh appointed a three-member committee to go into the various aspects of the Rs 181-crore Vision Document of the University that has been allegedly gathering dust. The committee has been asked to submit its report within a fortnight.

“Classrooms, hostels, library buildings and laboratories are all in a depressing state. The boarders cannot live in dignity in the hostels. Rainwater seeps through leaks in the roof of the main library. The water supplied by the government stinks. I have no right to remain a V-C when I cannot provide the minimum facilities,” Choudhury, justifying his resignation, had said on Thursday.