Guwahati: Four major bodies of the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) have jointly called for the resignation of Pro Vice Chancellor S. Umdor, citing “administrative paralysis” and a failure to implement prior assurances aimed at restoring normal functioning at the Shillong campus in Meghalaya.
In a joint statement released Monday night, the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU), NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA), NEHU Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA), and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) NEHU unit accused the Pro Vice Chancellor of failing—or being prevented—to act on commitments made by Union Ministry representatives in the presence of executive council members.
The bodies said these assurances were intended to bring stability, transparency, and normalcy to university operations.
However, they claimed Umdor’s continued inability to act has prolonged uncertainty, undermining confidence among students, faculty, and staff.
They also raised concerns over the resignations of the Registrar (in-charge) and Finance Officer (in-charge), which they allege occurred due to undue pressure from Vice Chancellor (in-absentia) Professor P. S. Shukla. According to the statement, these resignations have worsened the administrative crisis.
The four bodies highlighted that Professor Shukla has remained away from the Shillong campus for over a year following protests over alleged mismanagement and irregularities, leaving the university without effective leadership. Despite deputing officers to investigate allegations against the Vice Chancellor, the Centre has reportedly taken no concrete action, adding to institutional uncertainty.
“At present, NEHU faces complete administrative paralysis. With no regular Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Finance Officer, or Controller of Examinations, the university suffers total institutional disability, severely affecting academic and administrative functions,” the statement read.
The issue has also reached the national level, with Shillong MP Ricky Syngkon urging the Centre to intervene in Parliament over NEHU’s prolonged leadership crisis.
The four bodies emphasized that the Pro Vice Chancellor’s office bears the responsibility to uphold prior assurances and ensure effective functioning. They argued that continuing in the role under the current circumstances is no longer in the university’s best interest.
Appointed in June this year, Pro Vice Chancellor Umdor was urged to resign, enabling an alternative arrangement in line with institutional norms. The joint statement stressed that the move aims to restore trust, stabilize administration, and reinforce democratic governance at NEHU.