New Delhi, 14th Nov 2024: The Union Ministry of Education has appointed a two-member committee to investigate the impasse at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, following growing concerns raised by students, student associations, and media reports.
Prof. D. P. Singh, former Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), will lead the committee, with Prof. Dilip Chandra Nath, former Vice-Chancellor of Assam University, as the second member.
In an official statement, the Ministry explained, “In light of serious concerns raised by the students, student associations, and reports in the media, the Ministry of Education has decided to constitute a committee to inquire into the alleged mismanagement and administrative failures within North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong.”
The Committee shall inquire into the above allegations as mentioned at para 1 and submit its report within a period of 15 days from the date of issuance of this order, along with necessary recommendations for corrective actions. University authorities are directed to assist fully with the committee and provide all necessary documentation and assistance required for the inquiry.
The Ministry’s order directs the committee to submit a report within 15 days from the issuance date, detailing its findings and recommendations for corrective actions.
The first allegation concerns NEHU, is the declining University Rankings, attributed to what has been described as “administrative negligence.”
The second issue involves alleged Controversial Appointments, specifically of the Registrar and Deputy Registrar, which are believed to have contributed to institutional inefficiency.
The committee will also look into accusations of infrastructural neglect, with reports highlighting poor maintenance and inadequate basic amenities that adversely impact the academic environment and student welfare.
Finally, the committee will examine complaints against the non-responsiveness of the Vice-Chancellor, where in Multiple complaints and memoranda from student bodies, including demands for essential reforms, have reportedly been ignored by the Vice-Chancellor.
NEHU authorities are required to fully cooperate with the committee, providing all necessary documentation and assistance to facilitate a comprehensive inquiry.
Issued with the approval of the Ministry’s competent authority, the order underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and addressing the concerns that impact the institution’s reputation and the welfare of its students.