Tripura’s Ramthakur College Professor Suspended Over Admission Irregularities

Tripura’s academic landscape has been shaken by recent revelations of college admission irregularities at Ramthakur College, leading to the immediate suspension of Dr. Abhijit Nath, an Assistant Professor in the institution. The drastic measure, implemented by the Higher Education Department, underscores the severity of the alleged malpractices within the 2025–26 undergraduate admission process.

The Genesis of the College Admission Irregularities Investigation

The catalyst for the departmental action was a report published on July 19 in a vernacular daily. This report brought to light concerning allegations against Dr. Nath, pointing towards his engagement in “illegal and unauthorized activities” directly linked to the student admissions. Such accusations, if proven, signify a serious breach of academic integrity and administrative protocols.

Preliminary Findings Detail College Admission Irregularities

The initial inquiry conducted by the Principal of Ramthakur College yielded startling preliminary findings that corroborated parts of the media report. Here’s a breakdown of the evidence uncovered regarding the college admission irregularities:

• Admission Fee Card Misappropriation: Dr. Nath reportedly admitted in writing to taking 50 admission fee cards from the college office. Crucially, these cards were taken without proper authorization and were kept at his personal residence.
• Unreturned Cards: Of the 50 cards taken, only 28 were subsequently returned, leaving a significant number unaccounted for.
• Expanded Scope of Inquiry: A more detailed report from the Principal later indicated that the actual number of fee cards taken by Dr. Nath was even higher, totaling 120.

College Inquiry Unearths Deeper College Admission Irregularities

Following the Principal’s report, the college initiated a more comprehensive internal inquiry into the alleged college admission irregularities. This deeper investigation uncovered highly troubling evidence:

• Unauthorized Admissions: It was discovered that 69 students, whose names were not present on the official admission rolls of the college, possessed fee cards.
• Alleged Forgery: These fee cards were found to bear signatures that were allegedly forged, purporting to be those of college authorities. This suggests a systematic attempt to bypass legitimate admission procedures.

Official Stance on Gross College Admission Irregularities

The Higher Education Department’s suspension order explicitly stated that the cumulative findings from both the Principal’s reports and the subsequent college inquiry strongly indicate Dr. Nath’s involvement in “serious malpractice, forgery and gross violation of admission norms.” This stern assessment reflects the department’s commitment to upholding transparency and fairness in the education system.

Suspension and Restrictions Due to College Admission Irregularities

Dr. Abhijit Nath has been suspended under Rule 10 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, effective immediately. As part of the disciplinary action related to these college admission irregularities, he is also subjected to specific geographical restrictions. Dr. Nath is now restricted to Agartala, West Tripura, and must obtain official permission if he wishes to leave the area. This measure aims to ensure his presence during the ongoing investigation and to prevent any potential interference with the inquiry process.

Impact and Future Implications of College Admission Irregularities

The incident at Ramthakur College highlights the critical need for rigorous oversight in college admission processes across educational institutions. The alleged college admission irregularities not only compromise the integrity of the system but also potentially jeopardize the academic futures of deserving students. As the investigation continues, it is anticipated that further details will emerge, shaping future policies and safeguards against similar malpractices. The focus remains on ensuring that justice is served and that the sanctity of educational admissions is preserved for all aspiring students.