SHILLONG: The Union Ministry of Education is awaiting a report by a two-member inquiry committee into allegations against North Eastern Hill University VC PS Shukla. The probe extended to alleged administrative failures and mismanagement by the university's authorities.
BJP leader and Meghalaya Cabinet Minister AL Hek shared the development while leading a delegation to meet the Union Minister of State for Education in New Delhi recently.
"We informed the Minister of State and sent a letter stating the problems of NEHU," Hek said. He said the ministry was aware of the situation and had sent the two-member committee for an inquiry. "To my knowledge, the report is complete but has not yet been submitted," he added.
When asked about demands for the VC's removal, Hek pointed out that university stakeholders, including the student union (NEHUSU), teachers' associations (NEHUTA and MeTTA), and non-teaching staff (NEHUNSA), have all petitioned for the VC's ouster.
"If their grievances are genuine and the same VC remains in office, it will disrupt the work culture at NEHU," Hek said.
The crisis at NEHU turned worse when the students launched an indefinite hunger strike demanding the VC's removal. The strike was withdrawn after 16 days, but the academic activities remained grounded because the students insisted on their demands irrespective of the inquiry outcome.
Stakeholders have conveyed a unified stance to the inquiry committee, emphasizing that reinstating the current VC would be unacceptable. This sentiment reflects widespread dissatisfaction and uncertainty over the university's leadership and future direction.
The Union Ministry’s decision following the committee’s report will likely determine the next steps in resolving the ongoing unrest.
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