SHILLONG, Nov 15: In a significant turn of events, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Prabha S. Shukla has gone on earned leave amid ongoing protests by students and teachers. The leave comes on the 11th day of the indefinite hunger strike led by the North Eastern Hill University Students’ Union (NEHUSU), with support from the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU)-NEHU unit.
Prof. Shukla cited “unavoidable circumstances” as the reason for his leave, which begins on November 15 and extends until November 29. The leave may be further extended if required. During his absence, senior-most professor Prof. N. Saha or other qualified faculty members will take on the responsibilities of the VC.
The hunger strike, initiated by NEHUSU, highlights grievances over academic and administrative irregularities. Protesters are demanding the resignation of the VC and the removal of the Registrar and Deputy Registrar. Additionally, they are calling for the appointment of Pro Vice Chancellors (Pro VCs) for both the Shillong and Tura campuses.
The decision for Prof. Shukla to go on leave aligns with earlier demands by students and faculty, who had urged the VC to step aside and transfer his responsibilities to the senior-most professor. This development comes after Prof. Shukla declined to resign, further intensifying the agitation.
In response to the growing unrest, the Ministry of Education on Thursday has constituted a two-member committee to investigate the allegations of administrative irregularities at the university. With this new development, the next steps of the protesting students and teachers are keenly awaited.
