NEHUTA Calls for Political Neutrality in University Affairs
NEHUTA's Stand on Political Interference
AT Photo: North Eastern Hill University (NEHU)
Shillong, May 11: The North-Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) has urged political entities to refrain from involving themselves in university matters, particularly in light of recent comments made by the Pro Vice-Chancellor regarding recruitment delays.
In response to statements made by VPP Youth Wing president Marbud Dkhar, NEHUTA president Prof Lakhon Kma emphasized the need for political parties to avoid influencing university operations.
“We request political groups to keep their activities outside the university grounds,” Prof Kma stated in a recent announcement.
NEHUTA criticized PVC Prof S Umdor for allegedly misleading the public concerning the status of 154 Group B and C positions that were advertised on November 3, 2023, which have since lapsed.
The deadline for submitting hard copies was December 12, 2023, while the advertisement expired on November 2, 2024.
“It is incorrect for the PVC to claim that the recruitment process was hindered by internal unrest at the university,” Kma remarked, noting that the student hunger strike commenced only after the positions had lapsed.
“The hunger strike, which received full support from faculty and staff, took place from November 5 to November 21, 2024,” he added.
Kma further accused former VC Prof PS Shukla of negligence, stating that the advertisement lapsed for the third time not due to protests but because of the VC's frequent absences and lack of engagement with university matters.
“Between the deadline of December 12, 2023, and November 2, 2024, Prof Shukla failed to take action to fill the vacancies, and Prof Umdor is attempting to mislead the public,” he asserted.
“Prof Umdor seems to be deflecting attention from the VC's inability to finalize the recruitment process for the third time,” Kma continued.
Regarding the VPP Youth Wing, Kma remarked, “Their lack of accurate information has allowed the PVC to mislead them. I hope they conduct thorough research before engaging with university authorities to avoid being misled and to ensure the public in Meghalaya is accurately informed.”
NEHUTA reaffirmed its commitment to overseeing university governance.
“We have consistently acted as a watchdog over the conduct of Vice Chancellors and other university officials, and we will continue to ensure the necessary checks and balances for the university's welfare,” Kma concluded.