Four major stakeholder bodies of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) have jointly demanded the resignation of the Pro Vice Chancellor of the Shillong campus, saying the university is facing a serious administrative breakdown that has affected both academic and official work. In a joint statement issued late on Monday night, the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU), NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA), NEHU Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA), and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) NEHU unit said the present situation at the university reflects “complete administrative paralysis”. The groups alleged that Pro Vice Chancellor S. Umdor has failed to implement assurances that were earlier given by representatives of the Union Ministry of Education in the presence of NEHU Executive Council members. These assurances, according to the bodies, were meant to restore normal functioning, transparency, and stability on the campus.
However, the stakeholders said no visible progress has been made so far. They claimed the continued delay has created confusion and uncertainty among students, teachers, and non-teaching staff, further weakening confidence in the university’s administration. The statement also referred to the recent resignations of the Registrar (in-charge) and Finance Officer (in-charge). The four bodies alleged that both officials were forced to step down due to pressure from Vice Chancellor Professor P. S. Shukla, who has remained away from the Shillong campus for more than a year following protests over alleged mismanagement. They said the Vice Chancellor’s prolonged absence has left the university without effective leadership. Although officials from the Centre were deputed earlier to look into the allegations, the groups claimed no concrete decision has been taken till now.
“At present, NEHU does not have a regular Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Finance Officer, or Controller of Examinations. This has crippled the institution and severely affected academic and administrative work,” the statement said. The crisis has also reached Parliament, with Shillong MP Ricky Syngkon raising the issue and seeking Central intervention.