Agartala, August 21, 2025: The leadership of Tripura University has entered a new phase with the appointment of Prof. Shyamal Das, senior-most professor from the Department of English, as the Acting Vice-Chancellor. The appointment, approved by the President of India in her capacity as the Visitor of the Central University, will remain effective for one year or until a regular Vice-Chancellor is appointed.

The decision, conveyed through an order of the Ministry of Education and signed by Rajesh Kumar, Under Secretary to the Government of India, directs the Registrar to ensure immediate transfer of charge. Prof. Das steps in following the completion of Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain’s five-year tenure as Vice-Chancellor.

The appointment comes amid a spell of uncertainty that surrounded the institution in recent weeks. Sources revealed that the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Prasain, had cleared several recruitment files in his final days in office, actions that reportedly contravened guidelines restricting Vice-Chancellors from making recruitment-related decisions within two months of their term’s end.

The Ministry has reiterated that in-charge Vice-Chancellors are not permitted to take policy decisions or make appointments. These restrictions were originally laid down by the Vigilance Division of the Ministry of Human Resource Development in 2015 and continue to remain binding.

Officials clarified that the move is intended to preserve transparency and accountability in the functioning of Central Universities. “The idea is to prevent arbitrary decisions at the end of tenures or during temporary arrangements,” a senior official observed.

With Prof. Das assuming office, the immediate focus is expected to shift towards restoring administrative stability and ensuring academic continuity, while the process of selecting a permanent Vice-Chancellor begins.