Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has assured the Meghalaya government that steps will be taken to resolve the ongoing crisis at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU). However, the Vice Chancellor of the North Eastern Hill University is likely to go on leave.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma shared the news on social media, writing, “Received a call from Hon’ble Minister Education @dpradhanbjp, for his assurance to find a resolution to the current issue of NEHU. Would like to thank Hon’ble Governor for his intervention.”
Speculation is mounting that the Vice Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University may be asked to go on leave; however, as of the filing of this report, this information could not be verified.
Amid the turmoil, Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar has returned to the state. NEHU has been in a state of total lockdown as students, under the North Eastern Hill University Students Union (NEHUSU) and supported by the Khasi Students Union (KSU-NEHU Unit), have launched protests demanding the removal of Vice Chancellor Prof. Prabha S. Shukla, the registrar, and the deputy registrar.
Despite the unrest, Vice Chancellor Prof. Shukla has stated he will not resign.
Asked about the allegation that he is missing, the VC said, “I am near the campus , I am not missing.”
On Monday, he chaired an Executive Council (EC) meeting remotely, using online platforms, decided to form an inquiry committee either headed by a retired judge or Indian administrative/police service officials to examine the appointment of Registrar and Deputy Registrar.
“The decision is in favour of the students. The main demand relates to Deputy Registrar and the Registrar. We are following the procedure. The inquiry will be instituted headed by a retired judge or Indian administrative/police service officials to examine,” he said.
Regarding the appointment of Pro Vice-Chancellors for the Shillong and Tura campuses, he assured, “Definitely, we are going to start the Pro VC procedure.”
Prof. Shukla also made a public appeal to the students, urging them to end their hunger strike. “I request my students, please, please call off the strike. We are doing things in favour of the students. Not only one thing but other activities also,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor is currently managing university affairs remotely from an undisclosed location.