Prof Sumarbin Umdor of the Department of Economics has been appointed as the new Pro Vice-Chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University’s (NEHU) Shillong campus.
“On the approval of the 192nd Executive Council meeting, the Vice-Chancellor is pleased to appoint Prof Sumarbin Umdor, Department of Economics, NEHU as the Pro Vice-Chancellor, NEHU campus,” said the order signed by Registrar (in-charge).
The legitimacy of this appointment will be contested by those opposed to the VC, Prof PS Shukla, who had seen his last appointment as Pro VC, Prof Sherwin M Sungoh, quit following pressure from the North-Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA), North-Eastern Hill University Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA) and North-Eastern Hill University Students’ Union (NEHUSU).
Sungoh, however, took over as VC in-charge until she retired on May 31.
Umdor’s appointment comes amidst the continuing crisis at NEHU over Shukla’s leadership. The imbroglio began in November last year when students, teaching staff and non-teaching staff protested against Shukla’s alleged mismanagement. The Vice-Chancellor subsequently went on leave, which has now extended for over six months.
Despite this, Shukla has attempted to assert his authority, leading to further conflict. He had called for an Executive Council meeting on May 30 but NEHUTA, NEHUNSA and NEHUSU had all dubbed this illegitimate.
