By Erwin K Syiem Sutnga
The present situation that has developed in NEHU the premier University of Meghalaya and the North East is of far-reaching consequences. Herein lies the problem of the incompatibility of the mindset and ideological differences that we have with parochial mindsets. It also reflects the clash of value systems and the way persons who come from different cultures seem to take things for granted that we as stakeholders in NEHU will take things lying down. The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), founded in 1973, has historically been a beacon of higher education in Meghalaya and across the northeastern region of India. Established by an Act of Parliament to serve the states of Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram, NEHU has long been recognized for its commitment to academic excellence in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Its influence has been instrumental in driving regional development, and its reputation as a distinguished institution has made it an educational cornerstone for Meghalaya. However, recent administrative controversies under Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla have cast a shadow over its legacy, with stakeholders raising concerns about NEHU’s direction and inclusivity.
Appointment of Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla
In July 2021, Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, a professor specializing in Seed Science and Technology from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Uttarakhand, was appointed as Vice-Chancellor (VC) of NEHU. His selection over Prof. S.M. Sungoh, a Khasi scholar and an internal candidate, stirred immediate concern among local communities. Prof. Sungoh’s extensive regional expertise was viewed as an asset to align NEHU’s academic direction with the cultural and social context of the northeastern states. In contrast, Prof. Shukla’s appointment was seen as externally motivated, raising questions about the university’s future emphasis on regional representation.
Controversies and Allegations During Shukla’s Tenure
Since his appointment, Prof. Shukla’s administration has encountered various controversies, including accusations of nepotism, anti-tribal practices, and mismanagement.
Allegations of Anti-Tribal and Anti-Local Bias: The NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) has accused Prof. Shukla of sidelining qualified local and tribal candidates in key appointments. One prominent example is the appointment of retired Colonel Omkar Singh as Registrar, a former Controller of Examinations. Singh’s tenure has been contentious, with reported delays in result declarations affecting students’ academic and career prospects. NEHUTA argues that such appointments reflect an anti-local bias, as candidates from outside the region are preferred over qualified locals, impacting the university’s alignment with regional needs. (theshillongtimes.com)
Administrative Decline and Lowered Rankings: Under Prof. Shukla’s leadership, NEHU has seen a noticeable decline in national rankings, falling from 59 in 2021 to 136 in 2024. Critics within the university community have attributed this drop to administrative inefficiencies and mismanagement, indicating that the current administration’s approach may be adversely affecting NEHU’s academic standing and reputation.
Controversial Implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The Joint Action Committee (JAC), consisting of NEHUTA, the NEHU Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA), and the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU), has expressed concern that NEP 2020 was implemented hastily, without sufficient consultation with stakeholders. Despite this, Prof. Shukla defended the implementation, citing regulatory compliance and benefits for students, though the debate over its execution remains unresolved.
Political and Public Backlash: A political party has openly criticized Prof. Shukla, accusing him of a “dictatorial attitude” and anti-local policies, even demanding his resignation. The political pressures underscore the level of dissatisfaction with his leadership among regional groups.
Investigations into Allegations: Amid mounting complaints, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) referred grievances against Prof. Shukla to the Ministry of Education and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). Prof. Shukla has publicly stated his willingness to cooperate with any inquiry into the alleged illegalities under his administration.
ABVP’s Growing Influence and Alleged RSS Links
Concerns about Prof. Shukla’s ties to the RSS have also surfaced, partly fueled by the increasing presence of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) at NEHU. The ABVP, a student organization affiliated with the RSS, has reportedly become more active on campus during Prof. Shukla’s tenure, which critics view as an indication of RSS influence within the university.
In March 2024, an incident involving ABVP members during a Holi celebration organized by the World Organisation of Students and Youth (WOSY) turned confrontational. Members of the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU) clashed with ABVP participants, and some students sustained injuries. The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) condemned ABVP’s activities, arguing that the RSS was attempting to infiltrate NEHU through the ABVP, which could disrupt the university’s traditionally secular and inclusive environment. Although no concrete evidence directly ties Prof. Shukla to the RSS, perceptions of his administrative actions suggest an ideological shift that has unsettled many within the university.
Impact on NEHU’s Legacy and Future
The controversy surrounding Prof. Shukla’s tenure and the rise of ABVP’s influence on campus poses questions about NEHU’s foundational ethos of regional inclusivity and academic freedom. Stakeholders fear that the current administration’s perceived biases and mismanagement might compromise the university’s reputation, diminishing its role as a regional educational leader.
As NEHU nears its 50th anniversary, it faces critical decisions regarding its direction, inclusivity, and academic standards. The university’s ability to uphold its legacy amid these challenges will depend on transparent administrative practices, dialogue with regional stakeholders, and a commitment to its founding principles. Whether NEHU can maintain its stature as a premier institution in Meghalaya and the Northeast remains to be seen, but the present controversies underscore the urgent need for introspection and reform.
(The writer is an advocate of High Court of Meghalaya)
