Concerns over the state of higher education in the Northeast gained fresh political traction on Sunday as Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi declared that he would raise the matter “strongly” in Parliament, citing growing disquiet among students and faculty in some of the region’s leading universities.
Gogoi, who serves as the deputy leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, has been vocal in recent weeks about what he describes as a deepening administrative and institutional crisis, particularly at Tezpur University in Assam. The MP had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month, seeking urgent intervention to address what he termed a troubling deterioration in governance and academic stability.
Taking to X on Sunday, Gogoi said, “Recently, many top universities in the northeast have been in the news for the wrong reasons, such as Tezpur University, NEHU and the Guwahati University. Often it is the action of the Vice Chancellor which has raised concerns.”
Once regarded as centres of excellence, universities such as Tezpur University, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), and Gauhati University have in recent years faced criticism over issues ranging from faculty appointments and administrative decisions to alleged lapses in academic functioning. Several student bodies have voiced frustration over what they see as declining standards and shrinking avenues for dialogue within campus governance.
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Gogoi said, “This has affected the performance of the university and the rankings. I have written to the @PMOIndia about Tezpur University, but my concern is for the broader Northeast region. The declining standards of academics in the region is alarming.” He added that the problems were not isolated and instead pointed to a pattern that warranted national attention.
Officials at Tezpur University have previously denied allegations of administrative irregularities, asserting that the institution continues to uphold academic standards. However, persistent complaints from stakeholders, including faculty associations, have kept the issue alive within Assam’s political discourse.
By signalling his intent to take the matter to Parliament, the Congress MP has effectively escalated a debate that has simmered within academic circles for months. Gogoi said he hoped “for a positive response from the Prime Minister's office”, suggesting he expects the Centre to step in to address what he calls a systemic weakening of the region’s higher education ecosystem.
The coming parliamentary session may determine whether the concerns raised translate into a wider discussion on university autonomy, the role of vice-chancellors, and the administrative practices that govern central universities in the Northeast. With the region’s academic institutions playing a crucial role in research, culture and regional development, the scrutiny is expected to intensify.
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