Shillong: The crisis at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in Meghalaya has escalated further with the Mawlai Town Dorbar (MTD) imposing a ban on Vice Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla’s entry to the campus. This comes amidst ongoing student protests demanding his removal.
Prof. Shukla has taken a leave of absence until November 29, with senior professor N. Saha assuming the role of acting Vice-Chancellor.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
MTD president Herlambok War expressed strong disapproval of Prof. Shukla’s leadership, stating, “We do not want the Vice Chancellor to set foot on the NEHU campus. We want to avoid further complications and ensure that students’ health is not compromised.”
While acknowledging the formation of an inquiry committee and the appointment of an acting VC, War reiterated the MTD’s unwavering support for the students, promising to take action if the committee’s findings are unsatisfactory.
NEHUSU general secretary Toniho S. Kharsati indicated that the student union would consider the MTD’s appeal to end the indefinite hunger strike and explore alternative protest methods. However, a final decision will be made collectively.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma appealed to the protesting students to end their agitation, assuring them that the state and central governments are committed to addressing their concerns. He emphasized the importance of following due process and expressed concern for the students’ health and academic pursuits.
The Ministry of Education has formed a two-member committee to investigate allegations of mismanagement and administrative failures at NEHU.
The committee, headed by former UGC Chairman Prof. DP Singh, will examine issues such as declining rankings, irregular appointments, and infrastructure neglect. The committee is expected to submit its report within 15 days.