Resignation of NEHU Pro Vice-Chancellor Amidst Administrative Crisis
Pro Vice-Chancellor Steps Down
Shillong, Dec 16: Prof. S. Umdor, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), has resigned, citing a lack of necessary support systems and ongoing uncertainty regarding crucial institutional decisions.
In his resignation submitted on Monday, he expressed that the repeated efforts by Vice Chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla to hold Executive Council meetings, despite significant opposition from student and staff groups, have negatively impacted the campus environment.
Prof. Umdor stated, “In light of the current circumstances, characterized by the absence of vital support systems and persistent uncertainty regarding key institutional choices, it has become clear that remaining in this role would not be in the best interest of the University or uphold the expected standards of accountability and professionalism.”
He also mentioned that proposals to have the senior Pro Vice-Chancellor from the Tura campus lead the EC meetings until unresolved issues with stakeholders were addressed were dismissed.
“The decisions and actions taken in the normal course of academic and administrative duties have faced increasing challenges, resulting in delays and disruptions,” he noted.
Additionally, this ongoing situation has prompted the resignation of the Registrar, the Finance Officer, and several senior faculty members who had taken on extra administrative roles voluntarily.
Vice Chancellor Shukla has been on leave since November 14 of the previous year following protests from students and staff regarding his management. He has not returned to campus but has attempted to organize EC meetings remotely, which has sparked further protests.
Earlier on Monday, four significant bodies within NEHU collectively called for the resignation of the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Shillong campus, citing "administrative paralysis" and a failure to adhere to previous commitments aimed at restoring the normal operations of the institution.
In a joint statement released on Monday night, the NEHU Students' Union (NEHUSU), NEHU Teachers' Association (NEHUTA), NEHU Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA), and the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) NEHU unit claimed that Pro Vice-Chancellor Umdor has either been unable or not permitted to operate in accordance with the assurances provided by representatives from the Union ministry in the presence of executive council members.