Protests Erupt as Education Ministry Officials Visit Tezpur University

A delegation from the Union Ministry of Education, led by Vineet Joshi, Acting UGC Chairperson and Secretary of Higher Education, visited Tezpur University this week amid rising tensions on campus. The officials had arrived to review the situation, but instead of a routine assessment, they were met with demonstrations by students, faculty members and non-teaching staff, who have been protesting against the Vice-Chancellor’s administration.

I decided to write about this because events like these show how disputes in universities go far beyond internal arguments. They affect academic life, staff morale, and the future of students pursuing education there. When a central government team steps in, it signals that the issue has crossed a point where dialogue inside the campus alone cannot resolve it. Many students and parents do not always understand how leadership conflicts can disrupt classes, delay research work or impact examinations. Sharing these developments helps us look at campus politics not as isolated incidents, but as serious governance issues that affect higher education in the country.

Why Tezpur University Is Facing Unrest

The growing protests at Tezpur University are rooted in allegations against the current Vice-Chancellor. Staff and student groups claim:

Administrative decisions lack transparency
Complaints about working conditions and behaviour were ignored
Academic functioning has been affected
There is no space for dialogue with the administration

Students and employees have repeatedly demanded intervention from the Ministry of Education.

What Happened During the Ministry Team’s Visit

When the officials arrived to meet university stakeholders, protestors gathered near the campus gates, holding placards and shouting slogans. Demonstrators urged the Ministry team to take action, remove the Vice-Chancellor and restore normal functioning in academic departments. The visiting team held meetings with teachers’ groups, student bodies, staff associations and administrative officials to understand both sides.

Instead of calming the situation, the visit turned into a night-long standoff. Protesters insisted that the team should stay until a concrete decision was communicated.

Voices from the Campus

The agitation includes:

Student unions demanding accountability on academic disruptions
Teachers alleging harassment and lack of academic autonomy
Non-teaching staff saying they face intimidation at work

Protestors argue that the institution’s environment has become unhealthy, affecting learning outcomes, recruitment and research activities.

December 2025 School Holidays: Full Winter Break Schedule Across Indian States

As December 2025 approaches, schools across India are preparing to close for their much-awaited winter vacations. For students, this period means a break from classes, homework, and exams, while for parents it is time to plan travel, family gatherings, or simply enjoy a slower routine at home. With Christmas and New Year falling within this window, most states have scheduled holidays accordingly, though the exact dates vary depending on climate and local administration.

I am writing about school winter vacations because every year parents and students search for clear, state-wise holiday information, and it is often scattered or confusing. Knowing the tentative vacation dates in advance helps families plan trips, tuition schedules, and festive celebrations without last-minute stress. It also allows working parents to make arrangements for childcare during the school break.

Why Winter Vacations Matter for Schools and Families

Winter vacations are not just about festivals. In many parts of India, especially northern states, schools shut due to cold weather conditions. In southern and coastal states, the holidays are usually shorter and revolve mainly around Christmas and New Year. These breaks give students time to rest, revise, and mentally recharge before the final academic stretch.

For families, this is also one of the few times in the academic year when travel is possible without worrying about attendance or exams.

School Winter Vacations December 2025: State-Wise Overview

Below is a broad, state-wise overview of expected school winter holidays in December 2025. Final dates may vary slightly depending on state government notifications and individual school boards.

Delhi and NCR

Schools in Delhi and NCR are expected to observe winter vacations from the last week of December, mainly due to cold weather. Holidays may begin around Christmas and extend into early January.

Uttar Pradesh and Haryana

Schools in these states usually announce longer winter breaks because of low temperatures. Vacations are expected to start in the final week of December and continue into the first or second week of January.

Maharashtra

Most schools in Maharashtra generally declare shorter winter holidays. Christmas Day and New Year are holidays, with a brief break of a few days around this period.

Karnataka

Schools typically observe holidays for Christmas and New Year, with winter vacations usually limited to one week or less, depending on the board and district.

Kerala

Kerala schools often align their winter break with Christmas celebrations. Vacations generally start around December 24 or 25 and may last for about a week.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

In these states, winter vacations are relatively short. Schools usually close for Christmas and New Year, with holidays lasting a few days rather than an extended break.

Key Dates to Watch in December 2025

Some common holidays that fall during the winter vacation period include:

Christmas Day: December 25, 2025
New Year’s Day: January 1, 2026

Many schools club these holidays with weekends to create a longer break.

Important Note for Parents and Students

It is important to remember that holiday dates can differ based on school boards such as CBSE, ICSE, state boards, and private institutions. Parents should always check circulars issued by their child’s school or the respective state education department for confirmed dates.

I would also suggest keeping an eye on weather-related announcements, especially in northern states, where extreme cold can lead to extensions in winter vacations.