December 2, Shillong: Prof. PS Shukla, Vice Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), has extended his leave by another 15 days following the Education Ministry’s decision to grant a 15 days extension to the inquiry committee investigating allegations of mismanagement and administrative lapses at the university.
Explaining his decision, Prof. Shukla stated, “I was about to return today, but since the inquiry committee’s time is extended, so in principle, even I have extended my leave.”
He further added, “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 also decided to extend my leave until December 14.”
Earlier, the Ministry of Education granted a 15-day extension to the two-member inquiry committee comprising former UGC Chairman DP Singh and former Vice Chancellor of Assam University Dilip Chandra Nath. The committee was constituted to finalize its report on the grievances raised against NEHU.
In a letter addressed to Prof. DP Singh, Chairman of the Inquiry Committee, Under Secretary to the Government of India, D.K. Himanshu, stated: “In reference to this Ministry’s order dated 14.11.2024 and the Chairman of the Inquiry Committee’s letter dated 28.11.2024, it is stated that the Competent Authority has granted the extension of 15 days to conclude the findings and finalize the report.”