Shillong, Apr 10: Agitating student bodies of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) have demanded resignation of Prof Sherwin May Sungoh as pro vice-chancellor of NEHU Shillong Campus, alleging violation of university norms in her appointment.
In a letter to Prof Sungoh NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU) and Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) NEHU Unit alleged that Prof Sungoh’s appointment did not follow due procedures as laid out in the university’s statutes.
According to them, the appointment was made under the authority of NEHU VC Prof PS Shukla, who has been on extended leave since November 2024, and that the appointment was later declared “null and void” by the acting VC in November.
“The process followed in your appointment, which was orchestrated under the authority of Prof Shukla, stands as procedurally illegitimate and was not ratified by a quorum of the Executive Council, rendering it ultra vires,” the student bodies stated in the letter
The student unions further expressed concern over Prof Sungoh’s continued association with Prof Shukla, whose actions, they claim, have drawn criticism from various quarters and are currently under inquiry by the Ministry of Education.
Additionally, they pointed to a Ministry of Education directive that prohibits the appointment of individuals to statutory positions within three months of retirement. With Prof Sungoh set to retire on May 31, 2025, the student bodies said her appointment is a violation of that rule.
Under the stated circumstances and in the interest of “institutional integrity”, the protesting student bodies urged Prof Sungoh to voluntarily resign from her post.
They warned of further action if their demand is not met.
