The North Eastern Hills University (NEHU) has been embroiled in a stalemate between Vice-Chancellor Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla and the students, teachers, and non-teaching staff.
The latest development saw Prof Shukla reaching out to faculty members, pledging to resolve concerns around delayed Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions.
However, this move is expected to be met with resistance from the NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA), who are adamant that their sole demand is Prof Shukla’s removal .
The situation has been further complicated by Prof Shukla’s extended leave, which began on November 15, 2024.
Stakeholders are now calling for the authorities to withhold the salaries of Prof Shukla, the Registrar, and the Deputy Registrar due to their continuous absence from duty.
Tensions escalated recently when rumors circulated that Prof Shukla intended to forcibly resume office, prompting students to set up a vigil by shutting the university’s gate.
A two-member inquiry committee, constituted by the Ministry of Education, has been probing the alleged mismanagement and administrative failures within NEHU.
Chaired by Prof DP Singh, former Chairman of the UGC, and comprising Prof Dilip Chandra Nath, former Vice-Chancellor of Assam University, the committee was directed to submit its report within 15 days, complete with recommendations and corrective actions.
Although the probe has reportedly been completed, the Ministry of Education has yet to make the report public.
The students, teachers and non-teaching staff’s only demand is to see the back of the current Vice-Chancellor and only time will tell what will be the outcome if their demands are not met.
They blamed Prof. Shukla’s leadership, NEHU has seen a noticeable decline in national rankings, falling from 59 in 2021 to 136 in 2024.
As the stalemate continues, the future of NEHU hangs in the balance. The university community remains anxious, awaiting the outcome of the inquiry committee’s report and the Ministry of Education’s subsequent actions.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of the need for effective governance, transparency, and accountability in institutions of higher learning.
In conclusion, the NEHU stalemate is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution. The Ministry of Education’s inquiry committee report is eagerly awaited, and its recommendations will be crucial in resolving the crisis.
Ultimately, the resolution of this impasse will depend on the willingness of all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards a common goal – the betterment of NEHU and its community.
