GUWAHATI, Oct 21 � The changing equations and implications of power dynamics in the colleges of Assam have, of late, destabilized academic administration to a worrying extent and the DHSK College, one of the oldest and leading institutions of higher education in Upper Assam, too, is now in the grip of a power game with respect to the post of the principal.
According to reliable sources, the present principal-in-charge is on the verge of retirement (on October 31, 2014) and with the imminent requirement for the appointment of a permanent principal, a veritable storm has erupted as internal and external forces clash in an attempt to grab the power seat.
�The college is now reeling under a three-pronged attack. On the one hand, an interim order was served by the High Court, Assam, to the effect that an erstwhile aspirant for the post of principal be invited as candidate to the interview for the post of the principal, which was scheduled to be held on October 11, 2014 (order dated September 8, 2014, WP (C) No 4466/2014). On the other, three permanent principals from Demow, Majuli and Digboi are running from pillar to post to derail the process of recruitment as they have their eyes trained on the coveted chair and are pushing for transfer,� alleged the sources, adding that a third dimension has emerged in the shape of political intervention from the local MLA, who took it upon himself to address a letter to the principal-in-charge (dated October 8, 2014) wherein he has directed her not to hold the said interview.
In the ensuing turn of events, the scheduled interview was postponed till the issue of a further date.
The present disheartening trend of events at the DHSK College is indicative of an indifferent system and lackadaisical governance, which has failed to address crucial issues and challenges in the higher education system of Assam, the sources maintained. While a coterie of principals are lobbying for transfer and college employees resisting the appointment of permanent principals, the future of colleges in Assam and the DHSK College, in particular, is bleak.
