Shillong, May 22, 2025, Virthli (ONP): The ongoing administrative turmoil at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) intensified as a central committee dispatched by the Ministry of Education convened with university stakeholders to address the escalating demands for Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla's removal. The panel described the discussions as "good," signaling a potential step toward resolving the protracted crisis.
The committee's visit follows months of unrest involving faculty, student unions, and civil society organizations, all alleging administrative mismanagement and irregular appointments under Prof. Shukla's leadership. The NEHU Teachers' Association (NEHUTA), the North-Eastern Hill University Students' Union (NEHUSU), and the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) have been at the forefront, demanding the VC's resignation.
In a recent development, the Meghalaya Tribal Teachers' Association (MeTTA) publicly supported Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. S.M. Sungoh, asserting her legitimate authority to lead the university in Prof. Shukla's absence. MeTTA criticized Prof. Shukla for attempting to disrupt the statutory functioning of the Academic Council and accused him of harboring an "anti-tribal and anti-woman chauvinistic mindset" in opposing Prof. Sungoh's leadership.
The controversy has also seen conflicting Academic Council meetings scheduled for May 21 and May 23, further dividing the university community. Prof. Shukla's office declared the May 23 meeting as the only one with legal standing, labeling the May 21 session convened by Prof. Sungoh as "unauthorized and without legal sanctity."
Amid these tensions, Prof. Shukla has been operating from a camp office at the NEHU Guest House, asserting his continued authority as the lawful head of the university. However, NEHUTA and other groups have declared him "persona non grata," preventing his physical entry into the main campus.
The central committee's engagement with various stakeholders marks a critical juncture in the crisis. While the panel has not disclosed specific outcomes from the meetings, its characterization of the discussions as "good" suggests a willingness among parties to seek a resolution.
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As the university community awaits the committee's recommendations, the future leadership of NEHU remains uncertain. Stakeholders continue to advocate for administrative reforms and the restoration of normalcy within the institution.
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