Shillong: The North Eastern Hill University Students’ Union (NEHUSU) and Khasi Students’ Union (KSU)’s NEHU unit have demanded immediate intervention of the Ministry of Education to address the findings of the two-member committee’s inquiry report, which highlighted alleged mismanagement and administrative failures within the university.
In a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, NEHUSU General Secretary Toniho Kharsati highlighted that the committee, appointed by the Ministry on November 14, 2024, had visited the university and received evidence against Vice-Chancellor Prof. P.S. Shukla from student bodies.
The committee was granted a 15-day extension to finalize its report, as per the Chairman of the Inquiry Committee’s letter dated November 28, 2024
The NEHUSU general secretary said that as of January 4, 2025, no notification or update regarding the report has been received.
“In light of the significant concerns raised and the urgency of the matter, we respectfully request you to take immediate action and provide a formal response to the Committee’s findings at the earliest possible date. Your timely intervention in this matter is of utmost importance to address the grievances and restore confidence in the governance of NEHU,” Kharsati said.
Kharsati urged Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to expedite a response and take prompt action on the committee’s findings.
“His (Prof Shukla) administration has been marked by inadequate and ineffective management, which has severely undermined the credibility and integrity of NEHU’s governance. Further extending his tenure will only exacerbate these issues,” Kharsati stated.
The student organizations said they would not cooperate with any directives issued by Prof. Shukla, citing a loss of trust and confidence in his leadership.
Prof Shukla’s continued presence as Vice-Chancellor is detrimental to the welfare of the university, he added.
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Kharsati stated that student organizations have decided to prohibit Prof. Shukla from entering the university premises, citing his leadership as counter-productive and detrimental to the institution’s progress.
“In light of these grave concerns, we respectfully request your urgent intervention to restore the integrity and proper functioning of NEHU. We trust that you will address this matter with the seriousness and urgency it demands,” the letter further read.
