The North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) has set up a committee to draft an internal report to be submitted to the Ministry of Education regarding the alleged mismanagement and administrative failures within the university.
This comes after the Education Ministry announced the formation of a two-member committee to investigate the alleged issues. In an official order issued on November 14, the Education Ministry said the enquiry committee would look into “serious concerns raised by students, student associations, and media reports”.
The committee constituted by NEHU includes members from NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA), NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU), Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) NEHU Unit, senior professors, among other stakeholders.
NEHUTA president Lakhon Kma will head the committee as the chairman.
Meanwhile, the indefinite hunger strike launched by the agitating students entered its 14th day today.
The hunger strike launched by NEHUSU and KSU NEHU Unit on November 5 was to put pressure for the removal of vice chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla, removal of registrar Omkar Singh and deputy register Amit Gupta, among others.
The university was also locked down by the students since November 6.
Today, the general secretary of the KSU NEHU unit, Kevin Nelson Wanrap Rani was again hospitalised after his conditions deteriorated.
Former KSU president Michael Syiem visited the protesting students in the university. The former KSU president interacted with the agitating students. Syiem was the KSU president from 1979 to 1981.
Meanwhile, the NEHU Non-teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA) has agreed to allow certain essential administrative sections to resume operations. This critical step ensures that scholarships are processed and that academic activities continue without disruption.
This was informed by acting vice chancellor Prof. Nirmalendu Saha today.
Prof. Saha said that the enquiry committee set up by NEHU would address core concerns raised by students and teachers.
“The committee is rigorously working to complete its due process, and its findings will be submitted to the committee established by the Ministry of Education. I appreciate the dedication and efforts of all members involved in this process and urge everyone to support their work in the spirit of transparency and accountability,” he said.
Stating that his immediate priority has been the well-being of the students, “who are the heart and soul of NEHU”, Prof. Saha said that he has personally interacted with the students on several occasions, expressing deep concern for their health and well-being, especially in light of the hunger strike.
“Despite my best efforts to convince them to call off their strike, I remain hopeful that through dialogue and mutual understanding, a resolution can soon be reached. I have been in constant communication with the medical team and doctors monitoring the students on hunger strike. Their health is my greatest worry, and I fervently pray that no serious medical issues arise,” he added.
The acting vice chancellor said that the students’ well-being is his paramount concern even as he assured that every decision taken during this time will prioritise students’ interests.
“I appeal to all members of the NEHU community to come together, set aside differences, and focus on the collective goal of building a harmonious and thriving academic environment. We remain committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that students do not suffer and that their education and future are safeguarded. Let us work together towards a brighter and more united NEHU,” Prof. Saha said.
