SUSA demands immediate answers on controversial OSD’s appointment

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK,: The appointment of Dr. Braja Bandhu Mishra as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Vice-Chancellor of Sikkim University has triggered serious concern among students and raised wider questions about recruitment transparency in Central universities.

The Sikkim University Students’ Association (SUSA) has expressed serious concern regarding the recent appointment of Dr. Braja Bandhu Mishra as OSD to the Vice-Chancellor. The SUSA has strongly objected to the manner and timing of the appointment, pointing out that Dr. Mishra’s previous tenure as Finance Officer at Tezpur University has been marked by allegations of financial irregularities, ongoing legal scrutiny, and escalating student protests. 

According to national news reports, the sudden career shift of Dr. Mishra had raised questions among the academic circle. He stopped attending office at Tezpur University, a day after protests intensified on September 22. For over two months, while allegations intensified and students demanded transparency, he remained absent from duty. On December 1, he formally stepped down from his post, stating the unrest made it difficult for him to continue.

However, documents indicate that during the same period, Sikkim University initiated a swift recruitment process for the OSD post.  The advertisement for the post was issued on October 19, with eligibility criteria matched closely with Dr. Mishra’s, a retired or retiring Finance Officer at level 14. Applications closed on November 7, and by November 11, Mishra was already being interviewed in hybrid mode.

“Several national media reports have noted that Dr. Mishra stopped attending office at Tezpur University soon after protests escalated, and that Sikkim University initiated the recruitment process for the OSD post during this same period. More concerning, his appointment was reportedly approved by the Executive Council entirely through email circulation, without a formal meeting or transparent deliberation. Such circumstances raise significant questions about due diligence, institutional accountability, and the processes being followed for key administrative appointments, especially at a time when key administrative positions such as Registrar, Finance Officer, Controller of Examinations, and Librarian remain vacant,” reads a press release issued by SUSA president Debya Karki.

The SUSA contended that bringing an individual who is under active scrutiny and controversy into a sensitive administrative role at Sikkim University, particularly one that involves advising the Vice-Chancellor on financial matters, without clear demonstration of due diligence is deeply unsettling.

It is especially concerning that the person appointed is himself facing allegations of financial irregularities. Such a decision not only puts the integrity and credibility of our institution at risk but also undermines the confidence of students who expect transparency, fairness, and thorough verification in all matters that affect the university community, the SUSA press release adds.

Currently, key administrative posts in Sikkim University, including Registrar, Finance Officer, Controller of Examinations and Librarian, remain vacant, prompting questions about the urgency of creating and filling the OSD post. The agenda note circulated internally acknowledged prolonged vacancies in financial administration and cited “urgent requirement” as the reason for appointing an OSD. This urgency conveniently aligned with Mishra’s ability and eligibility.

Placing the timelines of two universities together, while Tezpur University faced growing financial controversy from September to December, its Finance Officer was simultaneously seeking and securing a sensitive administrative role in another Central University. Dr. Mishra had effectively obtained his new appointment even before his resignation from Tezpur University was formalised.

SUSA demanded an immediate and comprehensive clarification from the University administration on the rationale behind the appointment and whether standard verification and transparent processes were followed.

“The student body believes that decisions of such importance must be made only after proper scrutiny, consultation, and open communication with stakeholders. SUSA remains firmly committed to safeguarding the welfare of the students and ensuring that every action taken by the administration upholds the values of fairness, transparency, and responsibility. We will continue to advocate for a university environment where integrity and accountability guide every institutional decision,” expressed the SUSA president.

Meanwhile, Sikkim University Vice-Chancellor Shantanu Kumar Swain stated that the appointment of Mishra was made on contract basis, and for the welfare of the university.

“SU has not breached any principle and all processes were followed in the interest of the university. There have been no official allegations against Mishra, so if Tezpur University communicates, we will look into this, but so far, we have received nothing from Tezpur University, supporting the allegations against Mishra,” said Swain.

The Vice-Chancellor further claimed his lack of knowledge in university finance management urged him to appoint the OSD on a contractual basis. “What he may have done at another university is not our concern. We appointed him to help improve our institution. If there were any charges or wrongdoing against him, he would have been arrested or booked, but there is nothing. We had a requirement, and we are simply filling the post. In contractual appointments, there is no detailed police verification, but after appointment his background will be verified,” he added.

In the past 15 years, Mishra has worked as Finance Officer in three to four Central Universities.

The episode has sparked broader questions about governance standards in India’s Central Universities, particularly regarding inter-university verification and oversight when officials facing allegations transition between institutions.