Shillong, Nov 6: North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Vice Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla on Wednesday affirmed that he will not resign from his position, emphasizing that his appointment was sanctioned by the President of India, who alone has authority over his tenure. Addressing recent tensions, the VC noted that he has informed the Union Education Ministry of the situation and dismissed accusations of being “anti-tribal.”
Talking to Mediaperson, the NEHU Vice Chancellor said, “I am not going to resign in any case and secondly my appoint was done by President of India, she can take any decision and I will follow whatever decision taken by the President of India.”
Further, Prof. Shukla appealed to the protesting students and non-teaching staff, urging them to discontinue their agitations, which are disrupting the academic environment. “Please come forward and discuss the matter. Discussion is the only way to solve any kind of problem. There is no other way. Come to the table and discuss the matter under the norms, rules and system. I am also bound with the rules and regulations. I am always ready to discuss with my students and also non teaching staff,” he said, inviting all parties to a dialogue under university norms and regulations.
The university currently faces two distinct protests. The North Eastern Hill University Students Union (NEHUSU), with support from the Khasi Students Union’s NEHU unit, has initiated an indefinite hunger strike demanding the dismissal of the Registrar, Deputy Registrar (Academics), Officer on Special Duty (Director, College Development Council), and the Guest House In-charge. Meanwhile, the NEHU Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA) launched a cease-work protest three days ago, voicing concerns over delays in promotions and recruitment for posts advertised last November.
“My request to the students union, non teaching union and also if the teaching union are also involved – kindly call off the agitation in the interest of the NEHU students. What will be the consequences if it is going to continue for a long time? Definitely, the examination will be affected. So who will be the sufferer? So come to the table, I am ready to discuss the matter to find an amicable solution under the system, rules and norms,” He added.
The VC emphasized the formal processes involved in appointing senior officials. ” The removal of the Registrar, Deputy Registrar (Academics), cannot be executed based on unilateral decisions or personal discretion. These officials, including the Registrar and Deputy Registrar, were appointed following a thorough screening process and formal interviews. Their roles and continuity in service are governed by due processes, not by arbitrary decisions from any single authority, including the Vice-Chancellor,” he clarified.
Responding to calls from NEHUTA, NEHUNSA, and NEHUSU for external intervention, Shukla explained, “If the government suspects any irregularities, it may consider forming an inquiry committee. As of now, however, there has been no directive from the Ministry or the President’s office indicating such an action.” He highlighted the necessity of due process, stating, “Termination of any government employee requires valid grounds and typically begins with an inquiry.”
On the issue of staffing shortages, particularly regarding the role of OSD (Director, College Development Council), he noted, “I have approached many professors for this position, but none accepted. I am open to appointing any willing professor for this post.” He further clarified that NEHU’s guest house management is hindered by a shortage of non-teaching staff, and recruitment efforts are ongoing.
Regarding NEHUNSA’s demands, Shukla acknowledged the delay in filling non-teaching positions, noting that, while the National Testing Agency declined to conduct the recruitment exams, alternative agencies are being considered. “Multiple agencies have shown interest, and once the Registrar’s office reopens, the recruitment process will advance,” he assured.
Prof. Shukla also committed to appointing two Pro-Vice-Chancellors for Shillong and Tura campuses by December if the Ministry provides no further clarification. “If there is no response from the Centre by December 2024, I will appoint two Pro-Vice-Chancellors from the local community,” he stated.
Amidst ongoing discussions, NEHUNSA announced its decision to exempt the examination department from the current strike, allowing the undergraduate exams scheduled for November 11 to proceed as planned.