SHILLONG: North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Vice-Chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla has decided to extend his leave by another 15 days, aligning with the Education Ministry’s decision to extend the inquiry committee’s investigation for the same period.
Prof. Shukla explained his decision, stating, “Morally, it would not be appropriate for me to return while the Education Ministry has granted a 15-day extension to the inquiry committee. Therefore, I have decided to extend my leave until December 14.”
The inquiry committee, headed by a former chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), was established to investigate allegations made against Prof. Shukla by the NEHU Teachers Association (NEHUTA) and students. Prof. Shukla had initially gone on leave on November 15, citing family reasons, shortly after the committee was announced.
Earlier, Prof. Shukla had requested the central government to provide security for his return to campus, which was initially planned for December 2.
NEHUTA Vice President Prasenjit Biswas reiterated the association’s demand for Prof. Shukla’s removal, saying, “VC Shukla is no longer acceptable to many organizations from the state and the entire NEHU community. Some organizations have already written to the President of India, seeking strong intervention. The whole university stands united on this matter.”
Biswas also commented on the academic situation, describing it as problematic and stagnant. “The academic atmosphere is somewhat problematic and at a standstill. A final solution is yet to emerge. We hope and expect that the inquiry committee, led by important members, will bring the rightful resolution. When the committee visited NEHU, they gathered extensive data, opinions, and insights from the university community,” he said.
He criticized Prof. Shukla’s leadership, asserting the VC must have realized that the whole university does not want him. His three years at this university have brought neither growth nor development. Instead, his tenure has contributed to the deepening of this crisis. He has no business causing trouble in the university.”
The NEHU community, including both teachers and students, has accused the vice-chancellor of neglecting the university’s academic progress during his time in office.
With the inquiry still ongoing, all eyes are on the committee’s findings and the next steps to resolve the crisis at NEHU.
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