Shillong, Jul 29: The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has urged Meghalaya Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar, who is also the Chief Rector of North-Eastern Hills University (NEHU), to intervene in the appointment of the interim Vice-Chancellor of NEHU.
In a representation submitted to the Governor, the HYC flagged the Union Ministry of Education’s letter dated July 22 conveying the decision to appoint Prof Saroj Kanta Barik, the second senior-most professor, as the interim Vice-Chancellor.
The pressure group alleged that the decision bypasses the university’s own statutes. Barik was entrusted with this role as the incumbent, Prof PS Shukla, was set to step down as VC on July 27.
HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem said the decision appears to be in direct conflict with Statute 2(A) Clause (2) of the NEHU Statutes, as amended in 2013.
“The statute is very clear and mandatory. It says the incumbent Vice-Chancellor shall hand over charge to the senior-most professor on the expiry of his or her term if a new Vice-Chancellor has not been appointed,” Synrem said. “There is no scope to bypass the senior-most professor unless there is a legally sustainable reason,” he added.
The council pointed out that the ministry’s communication does not state whether the senior-most professor, Prof R Khongsier was unavailable, had declined, or was disqualified for any reason.
It also does not cite any provision in the NEHU Act or statutes for the appointment of the second senior-most professor in such circumstances.
“In the absence of any recorded reasons, this decision looks arbitrary and contrary to the express mandate of the NEHU statutes,” Synrem said. “Statutes framed under the NEHU Act have the force of law. Administrative convenience cannot override an express statutory provision.”
Specifically, HYC has asked for a review of the July 22 order, strict adherence to Statute 2(A) Clause (2), restoration of compliance in NEHU’s administration, and assurance that future actions are taken only in accordance with the NEHU Act and Statutes.
In a separate representation, the HYC sought urgent action on drug trafficking, reservation in central jobs, illegal settlements at Ïewduh, and nursing recruitment at NEIGRIHMS.
Synrem called drug abuse a “public health crisis” and urged setting up of a permanent NCB Zonal Office in Meghalaya. He also sought stronger joint operations and surveillance along border entry points.
On jobs, HYC flagged non-implementation of the 1 per cent SC, 44 per cent ST and 5 per cent OBC reservation in central offices and PSUs in the state, and asked for strict compliance.
The council also sought eviction of illegal settlers at Lum Survey, citing sanitation and narcotics concerns.
At NEIGRIHMS, HYC requested adequate female nursing staff in women and child care wards, suggesting an 80:20 female-to-male ratio. “These issues affect our youth, rights and healthcare,” Synrem said.
