SHILLONG: In a stern response to alleged violations of the UGC Model CRR (Cadre Recruitment Rules) by the Vice-Chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), the Joint Action Committee (JAC) has threatened to move the Meghalaya High Court.
“We are going to sit tomorrow to decide on our next course of action. We will have a discussion with an open mind to explore all available options. We will examine even approaching the court to take this issue to its logical end,” said JAC chairman Lakhon Kma, during a press meet on Wednesday.
Kma’s concerns centre around the appointment of Rohit Prasad as a technical officer/senior consultant, which he labelled an “illegal appointment” lacking statutory backing from NEHU and contravening the UGC Model CRR.
However, Vice-Chancellor Prof PS Shukla had previously argued that Prasad’s appointment received approval from the university’s executive council (EC). He also clarified that Prasad’s position is temporary and linked to the duration of the vice-chancellor’s tenure.
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Kma countered the VC’s assertions, describing them as “full of lies” designed to mislead the university’s stakeholders and the public.
Highlighting the UGC Model CRR, Kma explained that the appointment process should involve a selection committee after advertising in newspapers, a procedure not followed in Prasad’s case.
The JAC is also seeking the intervention of the President of India and the Meghalaya Governor to address what they view as a significant breach of the UGC Model CRR by the VC.
Earlier on October 31, the JAC had disrupted the Academic Council meeting at NEHU in protest against the failure of Shukla to address their demands, including the termination of Prasad.
Protest leaders from three associations – NEHUTA, NEHUNSA, and NEHUSU that comprises the JAC – had marched to the administrative building and forcefully entered the conference hall where the Academic Council meeting was on and had asked all the members to support their agitation.
