The North-Eastern Hill University Students’ Union (NEHUSU) and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) have sought the intervention of the union education minister to make known the findings of the committee constituted to investigate into allegations of mismanagement and administrative failures at NEHU.
The Education Ministry had constituted a two-member committee on November 14 and the panel was meant to submit its report by November 29. However, the two-member committee asked for a 15-day extension to submit its findings.
In a letter to union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the student’s union said though they have submitted all relevant documents and evidence against vice chancellor Prof. P.S. Shukla no update was made on the report.
“As of 4th January 2025, we have yet to receive any notification or update regarding the Committee’s report. In light of the significant concerns raised and the urgency of the matter, we respectfully request you to take immediate action and provide a formal response to the Committee’s findings at the earliest possible date,” the unions said.
Urging the minister to expedite a response to the committee’s report and take prompt action to address the issues, the student’s union reiterated the immediate removal of Shukla as the vice-chancellor.
“His administration has been marked by inadequate and ineffective management, which has severely undermined the credibility and integrity of NEHU’s governance. Further extending his tenure will only exacerbate these issues,” the unions said.
The NEHUSU and KSU said they took a unanimous stance not to cooperate with any directives issued by Shukla, as he has lost all trust and confidence of the students. “His continued presence as Vice-Chancellor is detrimental to the welfare of the university and has caused irreparable damage to its academic and administrative environment,” they added.
The students’ union also told Pradhan of their resolution not to permit Shukla to enter the university premises.