Shillong: The call for the removal of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, has officially been forwarded to the appropriate government department for further consideration, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has confirmed.
Meghalaya Cabinet Minister and BJP leader A.L. Hek revealed this update during a press briefing on Friday, stating that he had written to the Centre on April 3, seeking action regarding the leadership at NEHU.
“A reply has finally been received, confirming that the request has been passed on to the relevant department for necessary steps,” Hek said.
Hek clarified that the process of appointing or removing a Vice Chancellor is not immediate and must go through established protocols.
He noted that a committee had already been constituted by the central government to examine concerns raised by both students and faculty members of NEHU.
“Every institution has mechanisms in place to deal with such issues. Decisions of this nature require thorough review and cannot be rushed,” Hek explained, addressing accusations that the government was being indifferent to the situation.
The demand for Prof. Shukla’s removal stems from widespread discontent among students and faculty, with complaints ranging from administrative lapses to alleged mismanagement.
Responding to the mounting pressure and media scrutiny, the Ministry of Education had, in November last year, formed a fact-finding committee to investigate these allegations.
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The panel was expected to deliver its findings within 15 days, including recommendations for corrective measures.
However, despite the passing of several months, no final outcome has been publicly disclosed so far.
Dismissing claims that the Centre has neglected NEHU’s internal issues, Hek emphasised, “The very fact that a response was issued and the matter is being examined shows the government is taking it seriously.”
