Assam Government Orders Inquiry Against KKHSOU Vice Chancellor Rajendra Prasad Das

In a significant move, the Government of Assam has ordered an inquiry into alleged irregularities and misconduct at Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU).

The inquiry targets Vice Chancellor Rajendra Prasad Das, along with former Registrar Arupjyoti Choudhury and Deputy Registrar Ratul Patowary, following complaints submitted by Assam Public Works (APW).

The complaints, supported by documentary evidence, accuse Rajendra Prasad Das of multiple irregularities, including misappropriation of government grants and funds collected from students, bypassing tender procedures, shielding convicted sexual offenders, and making arbitrary decisions that led to increased litigation against the university. Former Registrar Choudhury and Deputy Registrar Patowary are also alleged to have colluded with Das in these activities.

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The allegations further include unlawful extension of Choudhury’s service period in exchange for support in administrative irregularities, illegal termination of a professor who had spoken against the Vice Chancellor’s actions, and inaction against sexual harassment complaints lodged against Deputy Registrar Patowary despite an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) finding him guilty. A victimized employee has now approached the Gauhati High Court seeking justice.

In response to the complaints, the Higher Education Department of Assam, under Secretary Narayan Konwar, has officially nominated Ashrumani Malakar as the Additional Secretary to the Government of Assam, Education (Higher) Department, as the Enquiry Officer to investigate the matter. The notification, dated October 24, 2025, directs the inquiry to assess the allegations thoroughly.

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Dhrubajyoti Talukdar, General Secretary of Assam Public Works, has expressed appreciation to the Chief Minister and the government for taking cognizance of the complaint and instituting the inquiry.

This inquiry comes at a time when there have been widespread demands across Tezpur University and other educational institutions in Assam for the removal of non-Assamese Vice Chancellors due to alleged corruption and maladministration.

The inquiry’s findings are awaited, which could have significant implications for governance and accountability in Assam’s higher education institutions.