January 7, 2026 — In a major administrative cleanup, Tripura University has officially cancelled several controversial appointments, signaling a crackdown on alleged irregularities that surfaced during the tenure of former Registrar, Dr. Deepak Sharma.
The move comes just days after the appointment of Professor Samir Kumar Sil as the Acting Registrar, who has vowed to restore the “foundational principles” of the Tripura University Act in all administrative dealings.
The Midnight Orders and GFR Violations
Central to the current storm are appointment orders allegedly issued by Dr. Sharma on January 2, 2026—his final working day. Among the engagements now scrapped by the University are:
- Group ‘D’ Daily Rated Workers (DRW): Four appointments were reportedly made in violation of the General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017, which mandate open advertisements and transparent selection processes.
- PRO Extension: Serious questions have been raised regarding the extension of the Public Relations Officer’s service until 2027, allegedly granted without any public notice.
- Special Placements: Sources indicate that a close relative of the former Registrar was engaged in a high-paying role at the Ministry of Education in New Delhi, bypassing standard recruitment norms.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
The University community has been rocked by claims of a “give-and-take” culture. Reports suggest that while regular university staff struggle with modest wages, certain favored appointees saw their salaries nearly double—rising from ₹23,000 to approximately ₹40,000—without clear justification.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Shyamal Das approved the cancellation of these orders following internal scrutiny. The administration is now facing growing calls for a high-level inquiry into the “moral decay” and “administrative collapse” alleged by stakeholders and political leaders over the past year.
Restoring Institutional Credibility
With the exit of the former Registrar and the cancellation of the DRW engagement orders, a thorough review of all appointments made since 2021 is expected.
“Tripura University must remain a temple of meritocracy, not a hub for nepotism,” stated a senior faculty member. “The cancellation of these irregular orders is the first step toward reclaiming our institutional integrity.”
As of today, neither Dr. Deepak Sharma nor the individuals named in the allegations have issued an official response.
