TURA, May 20: In a strongly-worded representation to the Vice Chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), the Tura Campus Staff Welfare Association has expressed grave concern over what it termed as “persistent inequities” and “step-motherly treatment” meted out to the campus, which has been functioning since February 1996.
The letter, which followed a report published by The Shillong Times on May 1, drew attention to glaring administrative and infrastructural neglect faced by the Tura Campus over nearly three decades. Notably, the association highlights the complete absence of sanctioned posts for essential non-teaching staff such as clerks, section officers, drivers, peons, and security personnel. “This prolonged neglect unequivocally highlights the disproportionate attention accorded to our campus by the Headquarters,” the association stated.
Adding to their grievances is the recent omission of the Tura Campus from the visit of the University Grants Commission (UGC) team that assessed development proposals at the Shillong headquarters. The exclusion, the association argues, deprived Tura Campus of an opportunity to make its case for critical funding and infrastructural needs. It called the pattern of oversight a “patronizing attitude from the Headquarters.”
In its letter, the association made several key demands such as Equitable Rationalisation of Non-Teaching Vacancies between the Shillong and Tura campuses; Devolution of Administrative and Financial Powers to allow Tura Campus greater autonomy; Strengthening of the Engineering Cell to accelerate infrastructure development; Construction of Academic Buildings for departments and Direct Fund Allocation from UGC.
A copy of the letter was also issued to the Chief Minister, Union Minister of Education, Chairman of the UGC, the Pro-Vice Chancellor of NEHU Tura Campus, and several NGOs in Garo Hills.
