Shillong: Administrative tensions at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) deepened this week as multiple senior officials stepped down from key roles, prompting urgent internal consultations amid rising concerns over the institution’s governance.
The latest jolt came after Registrar (In-charge) Prof. Saurabh Kumar Dixit submitted his resignation on Tuesday.
His exit follows that of a senior professor who relinquished charge as Finance Officer earlier this month, compounding the strain on an already understaffed administrative setup.
According to university sources, Prof. Dixit resigned citing intense workload and alleged interference from Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla.
The back-to-back resignations have triggered alarm among faculty and staff, who fear that the university’s functioning will be severely affected in the absence of experienced officers at the helm.
Pro-Vice Chancellor (PVC), Shillong Campus, Prof. Sumarbin Umdor voiced concern, stating that the developments pose a serious challenge to the campus at a time when end-semester examinations are under way.
The unrest has been further aggravated by the VC’s reported decision to convene an emergent Executive Committee (EC) meeting from his Guwahati camp office.
Despite objections from multiple stakeholders, officials were allegedly directed to initiate preparations for the meeting without delay.
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The move has raised eyebrows within the academic community, with many questioning the necessity of the VC chairing the meeting in person, especially given past disturbances linked to similar decisions.
Prof. Umdor had earlier suggested that, in the current volatile environment, the meeting be chaired instead by the Senior PVC from Tura—a recommendation that was reportedly disregarded.
He expressed disappointment over what he described as a “total disregard for the well-being of the campus community,” warning that the fragile campus atmosphere required sensitive handling.
With tensions escalating and uncertainty growing over administrative stability, the PVC Shillong has called an emergent meeting on Thursday to assess the situation and determine the university’s next steps.
