Gangtok: Sikkim University issued a formal clarification and placed the joining of Dr. Braja Bandhu Mishra as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) on hold after the Sikkim University Students’ Association (SUSA) demanded that his appointment be suspended until he is fully cleared of financial irregularity allegations from his tenure at Tezpur University.
Earlier in the day, SUSA members confronted Vice-Chancellor Prof. S.K. Swain at the administrative block, questioning why the university was rushing to appoint an individual facing ongoing scrutiny in another central institution.
SUSA president Debya Karki stressed that the students were not opposed to the OSD post itself, but to the selection of a candidate whose administrative conduct had already triggered public protests at Tezpur University.
She said the timing of Dr. Mishra’s move to Sikkim University, coming immediately after unrest at his previous institution, appeared suspicious and demanded complete transparency in the selection process.
Following the protest, Sikkim University released a detailed press note outlining the sequence of events. According to the university, the OSD post was advertised on October 19, and nine applications were received. Four candidates were shortlisted, and a hybrid interview was held on November 11.
Based on the Selection Committee’s recommendation and the approval of the Executive Council through circulation, Dr. Mishra was issued an offer letter. Although he submitted his joining letter on December 1, the university clarified that the appointment remains pending and will not take effect until his antecedents are verified by Tezpur University.
SUSA also highlighted several long-standing grievances that they say the administration has repeatedly ignored. They pointed to delays in the recruitment of non-teaching staff advertised as far back as December 2024, which have led to severe manpower shortages across departments.
Students continue to face delays in scholarship disbursement, certificate issuance, and essential campus services, while contractual staff remain uncertain about their job security. According to SUSA, these administrative lapses have created widespread frustration and eroded trust in the university’s functioning.
Reaffirming the student body’s position, Karki stated that Dr. Mishra must not be allowed to assume charge until his record is fully verified and all allegations are cleared. She added that SUSA will continue to monitor the situation closely and will not remain silent if transparency is compromised at Sikkim University.
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