The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has questioned the appointment of Braja Bandhu Mishra as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University, alleging procedural lapses and a lack of transparency in the selection process.
In a statement on Monday, the SDF said Mishra — previously embroiled in allegations of financial irregularities and student-related controversies at Tezpur University — appeared to have secured the key administrative post without adequate background verification. The party said the development raises “serious concerns about accountability and due diligence” in central universities.
According to the SDF, Mishra was reportedly absent from duty at Tezpur University for more than two months even as accusations of mismanagement and campus unrest were mounting. Despite this, he is said to have applied for, been interviewed, and received unanimous approval for the OSD post at Sikkim University during the same period.
Calling the speed of the recruitment process “unusual” and the silence around it “concerning,” the SDF said the episode reflects poorly on institutional safeguards meant to uphold public trust in higher-education systems.
The party has asked Sikkim University’s Executive Council to explain how due diligence was conducted and why no comprehensive background check was carried out before the appointment. “As a centrally funded university, Sikkim University owes full transparency to the public,” the SDF said. “Why was such a sensitive administrative post cleared in haste without examining past controversies?”
The SDF also urged Tezpur University to disclose the status of inquiries or objections linked to the period of unrest on its campus, stating that stakeholders deserve clarity instead of “quiet transfers and unanswered questions.”
According to the party, the controversy points to a larger systemic issue—one that allows individuals facing serious allegations to shift between institutions without accountability. “Sikkim needs clean governance and clean academic administration,” it said, adding that appointments involving financial oversight must meet the “highest standards of scrutiny.”
The SDF has demanded an immediate review of the appointment, a transparent explanation of the verification process, and a formal response from the authorities. “The people of Sikkim and the students of Sikkim University deserve nothing less,” the party said.
