NEHU Bodies Call for Pro Vice Chancellor's Resignation Amid Administrative Crisis

In a significant move, four major organizations at the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) have called for the resignation of the Pro Vice Chancellor, citing severe administrative paralysis and unfulfilled commitments to restore normal operations. The joint statement highlights concerns over leadership absence and the impact on the university's functioning. With ongoing uncertainty and recent resignations of key officials, the situation has escalated to national attention, prompting calls for intervention. The organizations stress that a change in leadership is essential for restoring trust and stability within NEHU. This appeal reflects a critical moment for the institution as it seeks to navigate through its current challenges.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 16, 2025, 16:24 IST

Demand for Leadership Change at NEHU

Shillong, Dec 16: Four prominent organizations at the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) have collectively urged the Pro Vice Chancellor of the Shillong campus to resign, citing a state of "administrative paralysis" and a failure to fulfill previous commitments aimed at restoring the university's normal operations.

In a statement issued late Monday, the NEHU Students' Union (NEHUSU), NEHU Teachers' Association (NEHUTA), NEHU Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA), and the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) NEHU unit expressed their concerns regarding Pro Vice Chancellor S. Umdor's inability to operate effectively, as promised by representatives from the Union ministry during discussions with executive council members.

The organizations claimed that the assurances were intended to bring back stability, transparency, and normalcy to the university. However, they argued that the ongoing failure to implement these promises has led to prolonged uncertainty and diminished trust among students, faculty, and staff.

They also highlighted the resignations of the acting Registrar and Finance Officer, which they attributed to undue pressure from the Vice Chancellor (currently absent), Professor P. S. Shukla. This situation has exacerbated the existing administrative crisis.

The statement pointed out that Professor Shukla has been absent from the Shillong campus for over a year following protests related to alleged mismanagement and irregularities, resulting in a lack of effective leadership at the university.

Despite the Centre dispatching officials to investigate the allegations against the Vice Chancellor, no decisive actions have been taken, further contributing to the uncertainty within the institution.

"Currently, NEHU is experiencing total administrative paralysis, lacking a regular Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Finance Officer, and Controller of Examinations, which is severely hindering both academic and administrative operations," the statement emphasized.

This issue has gained national attention, with Shillong MP Ricky Syngkon recently calling for the Centre's intervention in Parliament regarding the ongoing leadership crisis at NEHU.

The four organizations stated that the responsibility to uphold the commitments and ensure effective operations lies with the Pro Vice Chancellor's office. They argued that under the current circumstances, his continued tenure is not in the university's best interest.

They urged the Pro Vice Chancellor, who took office in June, to resign to facilitate an alternative arrangement that aligns with institutional norms, emphasizing that this request is made to restore trust, administrative stability, and democratic governance at NEHU.