From Our Correspondent
TURA, Nov 11: Tura-based social activist Cherian Momin on Monday sought urgent administrative and structural reforms for NEHU Tura Campus in the wake of protest by groups demanding the appointment of a Pro Vice Chancellor (PVC) as well as the removal of an alleged unconstitutional authority.
A memorandum in this regard was submitted by Momin on the same day to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Education Minister Rakkam Sangma.
“As an institution funded and regulated under the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, NEHU is expected to meet specific standards regarding its governance, staff welfare, student facilities, and infrastructure. The UGC guidelines provide a framework intended to foster a supportive and effective environment, yet the current state of NEHU Tura Campus reveals significant deviations from these norms. This memorandum aims to address these areas of concern and present a request for your urgent intervention to bring the institution into compliance with UGC standards,” the memorandum stated.
With regard to the authority currently in charge at the University, Momin reminded that the UGC recommended the designation of high ranking positions like the PVC for effective management.
“The current title of ‘Campus Director’ does not provide the same administrative powers or prestige as that of a Pro Vice Chancellor, limiting the campus’s ability to address its own unique challenges independently and decisively.
Reinstating the PVC title would restore a level of authority crucial for efficient decision-making and align NEHU’s administrative framework with UGC norms, which stress that each campus under a central university must have robust and autonomous leadership,” he added.
Momin also raised other issues in the memorandum which included ‘equal pay for equal work’ for the temporary and casual workforce, lack of canteen facility, campus transportation, clean drinking water supply, adequate staff and medical services at the campus health centre etc.
Meanwhile, the ACHIK, in a separate memorandum addressed to the NEHU Campus Director demanded the immediate reinstatement of the Post Graduate Students’ Union (PGSU), as well as the official’s resignation, alleging that the position is unconstitutional.
In its letter addressed to the Campus Director, the organization raised concern over the dissolution of the PGSU, which it said, is a democratically elected body.
“It has come to our attention that the absence of a functional PGSU (Post Graduate Students’ Union) on campus for an extended period is causing discontent and creating a disconnect between the student body and administration. The student union plays a crucial role in representing the students’ interests, ensuring their welfare, and facilitating dialogue,” it said, while demanding its immediate reinstatement.
The organisation also asked the Campus Director to step down voluntarily from his position in the interest of the campus community.
“We understand that you hold an administrative position as the Campus Director in charge. However, we believe that this position was assumed outside the constitutional norms and procedures that govern the office. This irregularity, we feel, has contributed to the lack of student representation on campus and the delay in organising elections for the PGSU. Therefore, in the interest of the campus community, we respectfully request that you voluntarily step down from this position and that an immediate course of action be taken to reinstate the PGSU,” it stated.