SHILLONG: The 24th convocation of the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) on Friday was marred by a spark of protest by members of the university’s students’ union against the delay in distributing degree certificates, among other issues.
Students holding placards and shouting slogans of “We want Justice” demonstrated outside the venue of the convocation on the campus and did not allow vehicles to pass. They flagged their 11-point demands.
The NEHU Students’ Union said degree certificates should be given within two months of the announcement of results.
Taken aback by the sudden protest, NEHU Vice Chancellor S.K Srivastava said all demands would be looked into and a meeting would be convened with NEHUSU leaders.
He also assured that there would be no more delay in holding the convocation.
The VC’s assurances pacified the protest and students allowed vehicles to pass. Among other demands are solving hostel crisis, total revamp of the placement cell and relocating it to a more centralised area , and inclusion of NEHUSU elected office bearers in the academic council.
The students also want a CSIR-NET Centre on the campus.
Informing that the university recently got approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) after a wait of seven years, the VC said he would approach all authorities for a CSIR NET Centre.