The North-Eastern Hill University Students’ Union (NEHUSU) and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), NEHU Unit, have written to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging immediate action on the Inquiry Committee’s findings regarding alleged mismanagement and administrative failures at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong.
The letter, signed by NEHUSU President Sandy Sohtun, General Secretary Toniho S. Kharsati, KSU NEHU Unit President Shibaitlang Rymbai, and General Secretary Kevin Nelson Wanrap, states, “The students’ organisations have resolved that Prof. P.S. Shukla shall not be permitted to enter the university premises, as his leadership has proven to be counterproductive and harmful to the institution’s progress. In light of these grave concerns, we respectfully request your urgent intervention to restore the integrity and proper functioning of NEHU.”
The unions highlighted the Ministry of Education’s order dated November 14, 2024, which led to the Committee’s visit to NEHU and the submission of relevant documents and evidence against Prof. Shukla. Despite the Committee being granted an extension until November 28, 2024, to finalize its findings, the students lament the lack of updates on the report as of January 4, 2025.
The letter underscores the urgency of removing Prof. Shukla, asserting that his administration has been marked by inefficiency, undermining NEHU’s credibility. It states, “His continued presence as Vice-Chancellor is detrimental to the welfare of the university and has caused irreparable damage to its academic and administrative environment. We urge your office to expedite action on the Committee’s findings and remove Prof. Shukla immediately.”
Copies of the letter were also sent to key officials, including the President of India, Prime Minister’s Office, Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Jyotiraditya Scindia, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma, Members of Parliament from Meghalaya, Governor of Meghalaya, and university officials for information and necessary action.