BY TC NEWS DESK
Agartala, 14th January 2026: The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has taken cognizance of a complaint filed by Dr. Ashok Kumar Sutradhar, a Project Assistant engaged under a Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India–funded project, alleging prolonged non-payment of his contractual remuneration since November 2023.
Dr. Sutradhar, a resident of Kashipur Mission Road, Agartala, stated in his complaint that he was appointed as a Project Assistant under a National Innovation Foundation (NIF)–DST funded minor research project titled “Scouting and documentation of grassroots innovation and outstanding traditional knowledge from Khowai District of Tripura and dissemination of potential grassroots innovations to the district” at Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar College. The project was being implemented during the tenure of the then Principal, Dr. Manoranjan Das.
According to the complainant, despite discharging his duties sincerely and maintaining regular attendance as per approved project guidelines and contractual terms, his remuneration has not been released for over a year. He further alleged that repeated written representations through emails and oral requests to the institutional authorities failed to yield any resolution, and no justification for the non-payment was ever communicated to him.
Dr. Sutradhar claimed that the continuous denial of remuneration has caused him severe financial hardship and mental distress, depriving him and his family of basic means of livelihood. He asserted that such non-payment amounts to a violation of his fundamental right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The complainant submitted copies of the project advertisement, appointment letter, joining letter, and correspondence addressed to the Principal of the college in support of his claims.
After perusing the complaint and the accompanying documents, the Tripura Human Rights Commission observed that a serious allegation of violation of human rights had been raised. Accordingly, the Commission directed the Director of Higher Education, Government of Tripura, to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit a detailed report within 30 days. A copy of the complaint along with all enclosures has been forwarded to the Director for necessary action.
