Guwahati: The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor in-charge of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Prof Nirmalendu Saha, on Tuesday said that the varsity is committed to restoring peace, normalcy and a conducive environment for learning and development.
“The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, has been witnessing a period of unrest over the past weeks. As the Vice-Chancellor In-Charge, I would like to address the university community and assure everyone that we are committed to restoring peace, normalcy, and a conducive environment for learning and development,” Prof Saha said in a press statement.
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Expressing deep concern about the students’ health due to the hunger strike, Prof Saha said that his priority is their well-being.
“Upon taking charge, my immediate priority has been the well-being of our students, who are the heart and soul of NEHU. I have personally interacted with the students on several occasions, expressing deep concern for their health and well-being, especially in light of the hunger strike,” the statement added.
Prof Saha expressed hope that a resolution could soon be achieved through dialogue and mutual understanding.
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“Despite my best efforts to convince them to call off their strike, I remain hopeful that through dialogue and mutual understanding, a resolution can soon be reached. I have been in constant communication with the medical team and doctors monitoring the students on hunger strike. Their health is my greatest worry, and I fervently pray that no serious medical issues arise,” it said.
The acting VC said that during his meeting with the NEHU Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA), it agreed to allow certain essential administrative sections to resume operations.
“I have also conducted extensive meetings with various stakeholders, including representatives of the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU), the NEHUNSA, and the NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA). These discussions have been both constructive and collaborative, and I am pleased to share that NEHUNSA has agreed to allow certain essential administrative sections to resume operations. This critical step ensures that scholarships are processed and that academic activities continue without disruption,” it added.
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Prof Saha said that an inquiry committee has been constituted to address the core concerns, which has been rigorously working to submit its findings to the committee established by the education ministry.
“To address the core concerns, an Inquiry Committee has been constituted comprising representatives from all major stakeholders. The committee is rigorously working to complete its due process, and its findings will be submitted to the committee established by the Ministry of Education. I appreciate the dedication and efforts of all members involved in this process and urge everyone to support their work in the spirit of transparency and accountability,” it said.
Emphasising that all decisions would prioritise the students’ interests, the VC in-charge urged members of the NEHU community to focus on fostering a harmonious and thriving academic environment.
“I firmly believe that the students’ well-being is our paramount concern. As a university, we exist to nurture and empower our students, and I assure you that every decision taken during this time will prioritize their interests. I appeal to all members of the NEHU community to come together, set aside differences, and focus on the collective goal of building a harmonious and thriving academic environment,” it added.
He said that the varsity is committed to safeguarding the students’ education and future.
“We remain committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that students do not suffer and that their education and future are safeguarded. Let us work together towards a brighter and more united NEHU,” the statement further said.
NEHU is experiencing unrest over the past few weeks as students and faculty protest against the recent appointments made by VC Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla, prompting him to take leave.
The students on strike have been demanding the resignation of VC Prabha Shankar Shukla.