North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) is grappling with a deepening governance crisis, as the NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) has alleged administrative paralysis, lack of transparency, and the prolonged absence of Vice-Chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla from the university headquarters.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, NEHUTA president Lakhon Kma said the Vice-Chancellor has been away from campus for over 540 days, severely disrupting the university’s day-to-day functioning.
He stated that despite being physically absent, the VC continues to interfere in routine matters, resulting in what he described as “policy paralysis” and a near standstill in administration.
One of the most pressing concerns raised was the delay in confirming faculty members appointed in 2023. As per university rules, teachers should be confirmed after completing their probation period, subject to approval by the Executive Council (EC). However, despite two EC meetings—held on February 23 in Delhi and virtually on March 30—no confirmation orders have been issued.
Kma also highlighted that the minutes of these meetings have not been circulated, creating confusion about decisions taken. He termed the delay “unjustified and deeply concerning,” adding that newly recruited teachers are working under uncertainty.
Beyond faculty issues, he alleged that the university is facing “almost complete administrative paralysis,” with no clarity on decision-making authority in the VC’s absence. Although statutory provisions require Pro Vice-Chancellors to take charge, this mechanism is reportedly not functioning effectively.
Kma further alleged that the VC continues to draw a full salary despite being absent, creating a leadership vacuum that has impacted governance, planning, and institutional growth.
He noted that academic activities—such as classes, admissions, examinations, and results—are continuing primarily due to the resilience of departments and faculty, rather than administrative support.
On the financial front, NEHU reportedly received only about half of its required recurring funds last year, leading to mounting pressure. Delays in medical reimbursements, departmental expenses, and bill clearances have become routine, with uncertainty over current financial allocations.
Kma also questioned the functioning of the Executive Council, stating that the absence of circulated minutes has further eroded transparency.
Concerns were also raised over delays in initiating the appointment process for the next Vice-Chancellor. Referring to a February 18 communication from the Ministry of Education, Kma said the university was required to recommend two names for a search committee, but no clarity has emerged so far.
He expressed apprehension that the delay could be deliberate, possibly aimed at extending the current VC’s tenure—an idea strongly opposed by the teaching community.
Highlighting NEHU’s declining academic standing, Kma noted that the university has slipped from being among the top 15 institutions in India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) to beyond the 200 mark, attributing the decline to prolonged poor leadership.
He stressed the urgent need for a Vice-Chancellor who is academically competent, administratively experienced, and actively present on campus.
Recalling the contributions of former Vice-Chancellors such as Mrinal Miri, Pramod Tandon, and A. N. Rai, Kma said their leadership once placed NEHU among the country’s leading institutions.
With the current VC’s tenure set to end on July 25, the teaching community hopes that a leadership change will help steer the university out of its prolonged crisis.
