By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 24: Participation of outgoing students and candidates with criminal records were among the concerns that surrounded the North-Eastern Hill University Students’ Union (NEHUSU) election for the term 2024-25, which was conducted on Monday.
Despite heavy rains and ongoing examinations affecting some students, the voting commenced at 10 am and concluded at 4 pm.
A major concern among the student body is the participation of outgoing students in the elections, which the administration has permitted. Additionally, there are issues regarding candidates with criminal records being allowed to contest without proper verification of their affidavits and profiles by the administration.
Students have also expressed a desire to shift away from communal politics observed during the previous tenure of office-bearers.
Among the demands voiced by the candidates are the invitation of more faculty members and the exclusion of research scholars from teaching duties to enable them to focus on publishing research, thereby improving the university’s NIRF Rankings.
The candidates for key positions are president: Kenny Kharbithai (Law Department, 10th semester) and Sandy Sohtun (Adult Continuing Education Department, 4th semester), Vice President: Riki Deiburom Rabon (Environmental Studies Department, 2nd semester) and Phibarishisha Nongbsap (Tourism and Hotel Management Department, 2nd semester), General Secretary-Toniho S Kharsati (Law Department, 6th semester) and Bantamdor Kharbhih (Political Science Department, 2nd semester).
The counting of votes will begin Tuesday at 9 am at the NEHUSU office.