The North-Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association, or NEHUTA, has issued a stern call to political parties to maintain the university as a space free from political interference. In a strongly worded statement, the association also refuted claims made by the university administration regarding the failure to complete vital recruitment processes, shifting the blame onto administrative negligence rather than student unrest.
The controversy centers on the lapsing of advertisements for 154 Group B and C posts, which were originally posted in November 2023. NEHUTA President, Prof. Lakhon Kma, accused Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Umdor of misleading the public and political youth wings by suggesting that internal unrest prevented the recruitment. According to the teachers’ body, the timeline clearly shows that the advertisements lapsed on November 2, 2024—three days before the high-profile student hunger strike even began.
NEHUTA further alleged that the failure to fill these positions for the third consecutive time was a direct result of former Vice-Chancellor Prof. P.S. Shukla’s frequent absences and lack of interest in the university’s welfare. The association argued that between December 2023 and November 2024, the administration had ample opportunity to finalize the appointments but failed to act. They criticized the Voice of the People Party (VPP) Youth Wing for not “doing their homework” before engaging with university authorities on the matter.
Reiterating its role as a “watchdog” for the institution, NEHUTA emphasized that while there is plenty of room for politics outside the campus, the university’s internal governance must remain focused on academic and administrative excellence. The association maintains that providing necessary checks and balances against administrative failures is essential for the long-term well-being of the university and the public of Meghalaya.