It is unhealthy for an institution of higher learning to be in a state of suspended animation. The Central Government has done its part in sending a two-member fact finding Committee and the two have been adequately briefed and also checked out the ground realities. If the Union Education Ministry is serious about placing the right persons in the right posts and in this case purely for the purpose of advancing higher education in the region with a cultural nuance and it is important for any Vice Chancellor posted to the Universities in the North East to have a basic understanding of the culture sensitivities of the people of this region and not impose a set of mainland values with their caste hierarchies which is anathema for a tribal society that is devoid of caste and class. While those in positions of authority are respected because of the office they hold, no one will touch their feet for favours. In any case the students have been demanding their rights to better hostel facilities amongst other things. What has really triggered the revolt against VC PS Shukla is his propensity to appoint people with no knowledge of the culture of this region to sensitive administrative positions. Naturally this has raised the hackles of both teaching, non-teaching staff and students. For them the Vice Chancellor has forfeited his right to preside over the affairs of NEHU. He has been given a long rope but stubbornly refused to mend his ways.
What is expected from any Vice Chancellor is leadership qualities to inspire and guide the staff, students and faculty. His/Her very presence should inspire confidence. Besides that administrative experience too is an added quality since the Vice Chancellor has to balance between academic progress and efficient administration. Vice Chancellors are also expected to be competent managers so they can optimise the university’s resources. Above all the Vice Chancellor must be a visionary who can formulate policies for the university’s future. NEHU’s academic standards had been on the downslide and its was expected that the Vice Chancellor would show enthusiasm in trying to raise NEHU’s status but that did not happen. The Vice Chancellor should be an experienced academic leader who can uphold the university’s academic standards.
Unfortunately, the NEHU VC from all accounts is one of those appointed for the wrong reasons. His appointment appears to have been influenced by external influences rather than merit. Such persons usually prioritize personal gains over the university’s interests.The formation of an umbrella organisation – Meghalaya Indigenous Tribal Constitutional Rights Movement (MITCRM) comprising several leading social organisations to advocate for the cause of NEHU and their letter to President Murmu, the Visitor of the University asking her not to allow the present VC to continue his term at NEHU has sent a strong message to the Centre that NEHU will not be a dumping ground for inefficient and non-meritorious VC’s in the future too. The earlier the Centre resolves the NEHU impasse the better it is for the University to pursue its academic sessions and impending examinations.
