Probe panel gets 15 days extension to submit report into NEHU crisis

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 1, 2024

The Ministry of Education has granted 15 days extension to the two-member committee probing into the allegations of mismanagement and administrative failures in the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) to submit its report. 

This came after the deadline given to the committee expired on November 29.

A letter issued by Under Secretary to the Government of India DK Himanshu to Chairman of the Inquiry Committee, NEHU and former Chairman of UGC Prof DP Singh on Friday said, “In reference of this Ministry’s order dated 14.11.2024 and Chairman of the Inquiry Committee’s letter dated 28.11.2024, it is stated that the Competent Authority has granted the extension of 15 days to conclude the findings and finalize the report.”

On November 14, the Ministry of Education had constituted a two-member committee to inquire into the alleged mismanagement and administrative failures within the University.

The decision was taken in the wake of the ongoing indefinite hunger strike protest led by the North Eastern Hill University Students Union (NEHUSU) and backed by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU – NEHU Unit), demanding the immediate removal of the incumbent vice chancellor Prof PS Shukla, registrar and deputy registrar.

On November 25, the two member committee had met and gave a patient hearing to all stakeholders of NEHU including students, teachers and non-teaching staff, who have send a clear message that irrespective of the outcome of the probe, the incumbent vice chancellor’s returning to the university it “untenable and unacceptable” to them.

In its order, the Ministry had then said, “In light of serious concerns raised by the students, students 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.”

It had said that the following allegations have been brought to the attention of the Ministry and they include declining university ranking, controversial appointments, infrastructural neglect and non-responsiveness of the vice chancellor.

It has been alleged that a significant drop in the university’s ranking in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), which is attributed to alleged administrative negligence.

The ministry has noted the allegations of irregular appointments including the appointments of the Registrar and the Deputy Registrar, which are claimed to have contributed to the university’s inefficiency and reports of poor maintenance and neglect of basic amenities and infrastructure, adversely affecting the academic environment and student welfare. It said that there have been multiple complaints and memoranda from student bodies, including demands for essential reforms, have reportedly been ignored by the vice-chancellor.