By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 15: Four major stakeholders of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU)—the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU), NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA), NEHU Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA) and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), NEHU Unit—on Monday jointly appealed to Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Shillong Campus, Prof. Sumarbin Umdor to resign from his post in the larger interest of the University and its stakeholders.
In a joint petition submitted to Prof Umdor, the four organisations expressed serious concern over what they described as his inability to function in accordance with the assurances given by representatives of the Ministry of Education in the presence of Executive Council members and representatives of students and teachers.
The petition stated that these assurances were aimed at restoring stability, transparency and normalcy in the functioning of the University.
However, the signatories alleged that the continued failure to act or function in line with these commitments has prolonged uncertainty and further eroded confidence among students, teachers and staff.
The joint bodies also flagged the recent resignations of the Registrar (in-charge) and the Finance Officer (In-charge), reportedly due to undue pressure exerted by Vice Chancellor, Prabha Shankar Shukla, who is currently absent. They said these developments have further deepened the administrative crisis within the University.
According to the petition, NEHU is presently facing a situation of near-total administrative paralysis, with key positions—including regular Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Finance Officer and Controller of Examinations—lying vacant or being handled in an ad hoc manner. This, they said, has severely affected both academic and administrative functioning of the institution.
“As the Pro Vice-Chancellor, the responsibility to uphold the assurances given and to ensure the effective functioning of the University rests with your office,” the petition stated, adding that failure to do so despite repeated expectations from the University community has made his continuation in office untenable.
“In view of the prevailing circumstances, continuing in the post is no longer in the best interest of NEHU,” the joint bodies said, urging Prof Umdor to tender his resignation to allow an alternative arrangement in accordance with institutional norms and assurances given to the University community.
The joint bodies stated that the appeal was made in the interest of restoring trust, administrative stability and democratic functioning at the university.
