Shillong, Jan 12: The North-Eastern Hill University Students’ Union (NEHUSU) and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) have sought the intervention of Governor CH Vijayashankar, demanding removal of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla due to his prolonged absence from the university.
In the memorandum submitted on Monday, the unions cited the VC’s “422-day absence” to demand his removal and help end the current administrative and financial crisis of the central university.
According to them, t’he VC’s absence has led to a breakdown in administrative functioning and institutional stability.
“We most respectfully and firmly submit that Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla must be removed from the office of Vice-Chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University,” the memorandum stated.
The unions have also requested the appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor in accordance with NEHU Statutes, following the resignation of the Pro Vice-Chancellor on December 15, 2025.
Furthermore, they have sought clarification on the status of an Inquiry Committee Report, constituted by the Ministry of Education in November 2024, and urged action to address severe financial constraints affecting the university, including a reduction in budget allocation and austerity measures.
“As communicated by the Chairman of the inquiry Committee on 28 November 2024, a 15-day extension was granted to finalise the report. However, till date, the Inquiry Committee Report has neither been submitted nor made public, nor has any official clarification been issued regarding its status. The prolonged non-disclosure of the inquiry findings has deepened uncertainty, mistrust, and administrative instability within the University. We respectfully request that the status of the Inquiry Committee Report be clarified immediately and appropriate action initiated without further delay, in the interest of transparency, accountability, and institutional credibility.”
The unions have appealed to the Governor to intervene and restore administrative stability, accountability, and effective governance at NEHU.
“We trust that your kind office will take urgent steps to restore administrative stability, accountability, and effective governance at North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong,” the memorandum concludes.
