By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 10: The escalating administrative turmoil at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) took a serious turn on Wednesday after Registrar (In-charge) Prof. Saurabh Kumar Dixit tendered his resignation reportedly due to excessive work pressure and alleged undue interference from Vice Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla.
Sources confirmed that Prof. Dixit tendered his resignation on Tuesday, adding to a growing list of senior faculty members stepping down from additional administrative roles.
Earlier this month, another senior professor who was holding charge as Finance Officer had also resigned, compounding the crisis at a time when the university is already grappling with a severe shortage of experienced officers.
Amid the worsening situation, concerns have intensified over the VC’s reported decision to convene an emergent Executive Committee (EC) meeting from his camp office in Guwahati.
He has allegedly instructed officials to initiate the process without delay, despite strong objections from university stakeholders.
Many within the academic community have questioned the VC’s insistence on chairing the EC meeting himself—an action they fear may trigger further unrest within the campus, especially given the recent disturbances linked to similar decisions.
Interestingly, the Pro-Vice Chancellor (PVC), Shillong Campus, Prof. Sumarbin Umdor, had earlier suggested that the EC meeting be chaired by the Senior PVC from Tura, in view of the volatile situation and ongoing end-semester examinations.
However, the VC is said to have ignored these recommendations.
Expressing deep disappointment, Prof. Umdor stated that the directive reflects a “total disregard for the well-being of the campus community” and fails to consider the fragile atmosphere within NEHU.
He admitted that the resignations of both the Registrar (In-charge) and the Finance Officer would “severely affect the functioning of the University.”
With tensions continuing to mount, the PVC Shillong has convened an emergent meeting on Thursday to deliberate on the unfolding crisis and to chart out the future course of action.
