Administrative Crisis at NEHU: Stakeholders Demand Action

A protracted administrative crisis at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) has led to a joint plea from various stakeholders, including teachers and student unions, to the Education Minister of Meghalaya, Lahkmen Rymbui. The crux of the issue lies in the extended absence of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Prabha Shukla, and the subsequent vacuum in leadership.

Absence of Leadership and Decision-Making Paralysis

The absence of the Vice-Chancellor and other key administrative personnel has left NEHU in a state of limbo, with no one to take decisions. Prof. Lakhon Kma, President of the North Eastern Hill University Teachers Association (NEHUTA), expressed the frustration of the university community, stating, "There is no VC, no Pro-VC, no Registrar, no Finance Officer - nobody is there, and the university is running on autopilot mode with no one to take decisions."

Statutory Provisions and Succession

Statutory provisions outline that in the absence of the Vice-Chancellor, the Pro-VC should assume their duties. However, Prof. F Marak, the current Pro-VC, has failed to report to the Shillong headquarters despite repeated requests. Prof. Kma emphasized, "The onus is on her to come and perform the duty of the VC in the headquarters. If she doesn't want to, she has to resign from the post of Pro-VC, Tura campus."

Implications for NEHU and the North East Region

The prolonged administrative crisis at NEHU has far-reaching implications for the university's academic and financial stability. The crisis also underscores the need for effective governance and accountability in educational institutions, not just in the North East but across India.

Call for Intervention and Action

The NEHUTA, NEHUNSA, NEHUSU, and KSU have urged the Education Minister to intervene and address the crisis. They have requested that the Pro-VC either take charge as Acting VC or resign, allowing a senior professor to step in and restore stability to the university. The unions have also sought the intervention of the Meghalaya Governor, CH Vijayashankar, to remove Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shukla due to his prolonged absence.

Looking Ahead

The ongoing crisis at NEHU serves as a reminder of the importance of effective leadership and governance in educational institutions. It is hoped that the Education Minister's intervention will lead to a swift resolution and the restoration of stability at the university. The future of NEHU and its students depends on it.