Shillong, November 28: BJP leader and cabinet minister AL Hek on Thursday said the Central Government is awaiting the report from a two-member committee investigating allegations of mismanagement and administrative failures against the Vice Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) before deciding on the matter.
Hek, who recently led a party delegation to meet the Minister of State for Education in New Delhi, stated, “We (delegation) have briefed him (MoS) and submitted a letter in regards to the NEHU issue. They know very clearly (on the issue) and had accordingly sent two members to inquire into the matter. They are now waiting for the report.”
Providing an update, Hek added, “As far as my knowledge goes, the report is completed but is yet to be submitted (to the ministry).”
When questioned about the demand for the Vice Chancellor’s removal, Hek highlighted that several stakeholders, including the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU), the Teachers’ Associations (NEHUTA and MeTTA), and the Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA), have filed petitions against the incumbent.
“So if their (stakeholders) is true, if you are keeping the same VC then the work culture will no longer be smooth in NEHU,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, a two-member inquiry committee appointed by the Ministry of Education recently visited the NEHU campus and met with the students and the faculty. The committee listened to demands for the immediate removal of Vice Chancellor Prof. Prabha S. Shukla, beside conducting an inspection of campus facilities, including buildings, the health center, roads, hostels, and the library.
The inquiry committee, comprising Prof. D.P. Singh, former UGC Chairman, and Prof. Dilip Chandra Nath, former Vice Chancellor of Assam University, is tasked with preparing a report based on their findings. The report is expected to be submitted by November 29.