By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 15: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday described the ongoing administrative turmoil at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) as “very unfortunate”, highlighting its severe impact on students and employees of the central institution.
He clarified that the state government’s role is limited to mediation, as NEHU operates directly under the central government.
Sangma said the crisis has reached a deadlock, causing significant hardship to the university community, including delays in salary payments for casual workers.
“What is happening at NEHU is very unfortunate and is really affecting the students and the people working there,” he said.
Sangma emphasised that direct intervention by the state is constrained due to NEHU’s status as a central university.
“NEHU is a body that comes directly under the central government. It is a very sensitive issue for us to get directly involved, and therefore we can only act as a mediator between the concerned parties, which is what we have been doing,” he added.
The Chief Minister noted that the state government has been offering recommendations and suggestions to resolve the impasse, but progress requires cooperation from all stakeholders.
“Even during mediation, when we put forward possible solutions, we need the support of all sides. Sometimes, due to the ground situation, that becomes difficult and further complications arise,” he observed.
Sangma stressed that the government is continuing its efforts without interfering in the university’s autonomy.
He expressed particular concern for students and casual employees affected by salary delays, saying the state is pushing for mediation to provide relief, including release of pending payments.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui is actively engaged in discussions with NEHU officials to break the deadlock, while Sangma himself has been in touch with the Union Ministry of Education, concerned central ministers, and university authorities.
Reiterating that the matter falls beyond the state’s direct jurisdiction, Sangma said the issue is being taken seriously.
“We are doing our best even now. Although our role is limited, we are not taking it lightly. At the end of the day, it is our people who are suffering, and we want to be part of the solution,” he added.
