By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 10: The North-Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) on Sunday denied that campus unrest caused delays in the university’s recruitment process, instead blaming administrative failures under Vice-Chancellor Prof PS Shukla.
Responding to claims that student agitations hindered hiring, NEHUTA stated that an advertisement for Group B and C posts issued in November 2023 had already lapsed on February 1, 2024—months before the student hunger strike began in May. The association argued that the process could not have been delayed by protests that had not yet occurred.
NEHUTA alleged the recruitment failed due to the VC’s “frequent absence” and lack of interest in university affairs. It accused the administration of trying to shield the VC’s failures by misleading the public.
The association also flagged irregularities concerning a January 2024 advertisement for Group A posts, including the Finance Officer and Controller of Examinations. NEHUTA alleged the appointment of an unqualified Deputy Registrar and claimed one official remained absent from the university for over 540 days while continuing to draw a salary.
The teachers’ body further claimed the administration failed to appoint deserving candidates due to “personal interests” and irregular procedures.
Maintaining its role as a “watchdog,” NEHUTA urged political parties, specifically the VPP, to refrain from politicising university matters. The statement was issued by NEHUTA president Prof Lakhon Kma and general secretary Dr Marbhador M Khyndeit.
