The state government has suspended an assistant professor accused of forging admission-related documents at a government-run college. The Education Department took the decision on Tuesday after initial findings suggested the academic staffer had violated rules during the undergraduate admission process for the 2024–25 session.
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Serious Allegations of Forgery
According to official sources, the suspended assistant professor was allegedly involved in manipulating student admission data at a prominent government college in West Tripura district. Several students reportedly discovered discrepancies in their admission status despite meeting all the eligibility criteria. Some even claimed that they were denied seats because their applications were marked “incomplete” or “invalid” without proper reason.
This triggered a local protest by student organizations who demanded an immediate probe. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Tripura Students’ Federation (TSF) raised concerns about transparency in the online admission process. Following the uproar, the Higher Education Department ordered an internal inquiry and later recommended immediate suspension of the professor pending investigation.
Government Responds Swiftly
Tripura Higher Education Minister Ratan Lal Nath confirmed the action and stated that the department would not tolerate any malpractice that compromises the integrity of the education system. He said, “We have suspended the assistant professor on the basis of preliminary evidence. The case involves manipulation of digital records during admissions, which is a serious offense.”
The minister assured that a departmental inquiry committee has been formed to examine the extent of the irregularities. He also directed the college administration to review all admission rejections from the current academic session to ensure that no deserving student has been wrongfully denied a seat.
Student Bodies Demand Broader Probe
While welcoming the suspension, student leaders have called for a wider investigation into admission practices across all government colleges. They allege that the issue may not be isolated and could involve a network of staffers who misuse their access to the admission portal for personal or political gains.
“We appreciate the government’s prompt action, but we want an audit of all colleges to uncover if this was part of a larger scam,” said a leader from the TSF. He also requested that a neutral committee, possibly including representatives from civil society and academia, be formed to oversee the probe.
Digital Admissions Under Scrutiny
This incident has sparked a debate about the digital admission process implemented across Tripura’s colleges in recent years. Though intended to bring transparency and efficiency, it has also raised concerns about data security and internal manipulation.
The accused professor reportedly had backend access to the admission system as part of their responsibilities in the admission committee. Experts argue that such sensitive access should be monitored and limited, especially when dealing with thousands of applications.
A senior officer from the IT department said, “System audits should be conducted before and after each admission cycle. One unauthorized change can disrupt the future of many students.”
Opposition Slams Govt Over Oversight
The opposition CPI(M) and Congress have criticized the state government for failing to maintain transparency and accountability in higher education. They allege that political appointments and poor oversight are weakening the system.
Former education minister Tapan Chakraborty said, “When you prioritize political loyalty over qualifications, these things are bound to happen. There must be accountability at every level.”
The opposition has demanded a white paper on digital admission procedures and the names of all those who had administrative access during the admission cycle.
Educationists Call for Reforms
Several academicians and retired principals have voiced the need for systemic reforms in Tripura’s higher education sector. They suggest independent monitoring cells for admissions, regular training of staff, and the use of OTP-based logins for all actions taken in the portal.
Professor Arindam Das, a retired academician, remarked, “The digital system can work well only when backed by transparency, checks, and balances. Otherwise, it becomes a tool for corruption.”
He further added that such scandals erode public trust in educational institutions and can discourage students from pursuing higher studies in the state.
Students Left in Limbo
Meanwhile, several students affected by the admission irregularities are still waiting for clarity on their status. Some claim they have lost opportunities at other institutions due to the delay in Tripura’s admission process.
“I had applied to three colleges, but when this one showed ‘confirmed,’ I didn’t consider the others. Now I find my name missing from the final list,” said Ananya Debbarma, a student from Bishalgarh.
The Education Department has announced a grievance redressal window for students to appeal their admission status. A special review committee will look into such complaints before the final admission cutoff.
What Lies Ahead
As the investigation continues, the government is expected to take stronger action if more individuals are found guilty. The suspended professor will remain off duty until the final inquiry report is submitted. If proven guilty, departmental proceedings, including dismissal, may follow.
This case has put the spotlight back on transparency in digital governance, especially in sectors that directly impact students. It also serves as a reminder that digitization alone cannot ensure fairness without strict oversight and accountability.
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