Guwahati, April 2, 2025: In a serious allegation that could spark wide-ranging repercussions in Assam’s academic and administrative circles, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI)—Assam State Committee—has accused Gauhati University of financial irregularities in the management of a ₹1 crore annual special grant received from the Government of Assam.
At the center of the controversy is the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Nani Gopal Mahanta, who also serves as the Director of the South East Asian Study Centre, the body responsible for handling the said grant under the Department of Political Science.
Allegations of Financial Mismanagement: Timeline & Evidence
During a press conference at the Guwahati Press Club, SFI leaders Rajdeep Mahanta and Arun Guria presented detailed documentation alleging that funds sanctioned by the Assam government under Sanction No. PMA(H) 168/2016/32 dated 07.03.2017, and received on March 31, 2017 (GU Receipt No. 8557), were misappropriated.
Key Allegations:
- The sanctioned ₹1 crore was deposited in Account No. 10243124298, which is the Examination Account, instead of the designated Project Account for the South East Asian Study Centre.
- Examination Accounts are not audited, unlike project or savings accounts, suggesting an intentional move to bypass financial scrutiny.
- On October 23, 2017, ₹1 crore was transferred from the university’s Corpus Fund to the South East Asian Study Centre without documented proof of an internal fund transfer from the Examination Account—raising suspicions of financial laundering or diversion.
- The use of a non-interest-bearing current account rather than a savings account has also been flagged, indicating loss of interest income and non-compliance with standard financial protocols.
SFI’s Demand for Accountability
In a strongly-worded statement, the SFI declared:
“This is not just a case of clerical error. This is a calculated misuse of public funds. As the Vice-Chancellor and Director of the South East Asian Study Centre, Dr. Nani Gopal Mahanta must provide a public explanation.”
SFI’s Key Demands:
- Immediate intervention by the Chancellor of Gauhati University, who is the Governor of Assam, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria.
- A high-level independent financial audit and investigation by a neutral body, such as the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) or an expert committee appointed by the Department of Higher Education, Assam.
- Complete transparency from the Gauhati University Administration and action against all individuals involved in the alleged misappropriation.
South East Asian Study Centre Under Scrutiny
The South East Asian Study Centre, established to promote regional studies and diplomacy-related research, has been receiving an annual grant of ₹1 crore since 2016. The Centre is located within the Political Science Department, a key faculty of Gauhati University, and has long operated under Dr. Mahanta’s directorship.
According to internal sources, the Audit Department of Gauhati University had raised red flags regarding the financial flow and placement of these funds in its internal assessments. However, no corrective measures were taken, which SFI alleges is due to internal collusion among senior officials.
Institutional Risk and Public Trust at Stake
This alleged financial scandal, if proven true, could not only tarnish the reputation of one of Assam’s oldest and most prestigious universities, but also shake public confidence in the state’s education funding mechanisms.
SFI President Harshajit Das and General Secretary Sangita Das emphasized the larger ramifications of the issue:
“Educational institutions are guardians of public trust and taxpayer money. Misuse of such grants undermines students, faculty, and the entire academic community.”
Context: Financial Discipline & Revenue Trends in Assam
This revelation comes at a time when public scrutiny over the financial discipline of Assam’s institutions is high. For instance, the DTO Kamrup (Metro) recently set a new revenue record, collecting ₹534.68 crore in a single fiscal year, according to Assam Tribune. This highlights how government funds are on the rise, but also raises expectations for transparency in their utilization.
What Happens Next?
If the state government takes SFI’s demands seriously, the investigation may:
- Uncover a deeper pattern of grant mismanagement in Gauhati University.
- Lead to a shake-up in the university’s administrative leadership, depending on audit findings.
- Set a precedent for greater financial audits in educational institutions across Assam.
Conclusion
The SFI’s allegations against Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nani Gopal Mahanta regarding the misuse of a ₹1 crore Assam government grant have triggered calls for urgent investigation and institutional accountability. As pressure builds on Gauhati University, students, faculty, and the public await official clarification and decisive action from the Governor of Assam and the Department of Higher Education.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining not just the fate of this case but the future of governance in Assam’s higher education system.
