One of the most significant challenges during this period was managing a 42% reduction in UGC recurring grants for 2025–26. – Prof S Umdor, NEHU
Shillong, Dec 17: North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof S Umdor has resigned amid prolonged administrative crisis marked by “absence of key officials” and protests by students and staff associations of the central university.
Informing about his resignation as Pro VC, Prof Umdor expressed the hope for restoration of stability and continued progress of NEHU.
“Given the prevailing situation—marked by the absence of essential support systems and continued uncertainty surrounding key institutional decisions—it was felt that continuing in office would not serve the best interests of the University or uphold the standards of accountability and professionalism expected of the position,” he said in a statement.
The university has been facing challenges, including a 42% reduction in UGC recurring grants and opposition from students and staff associations over attempts to convene Executive Council meetings without adequate representation.
“One of the most significant challenges during this period was managing a 42% reduction in UGC recurring grants for the financial year 2025–26,” Prof Umdor said.
He listed some of the achievements during his period as successful conduct of end-semester examinations, completion of teacher promotions, and hosting of national and international academic programs like the Smart India Hackathon 2025.
He also mentioned that suggestion to allow the Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor (Tura Campus) to chair meetings of the Executive Council, until outstanding issues with stakeholders were resolved, was not accepted.
“Such an arrangement, it was felt, would have enabled urgent matters concerning the welfare of students and staff to be addressed without further delay,” he said.
He also alleged that decisions and actions taken in the routine discharge of academic and administrative responsibilities have increasingly been contested, leading to delays and disruption.
“These circumstances have also resulted in the resignation of the Registrar, the Finance Officer, and senior faculty members who had voluntarily taken on additional administrative responsibilities,” he added.
The NEHU Students’ Union, NEHU Teachers’ Association, and other bodies had demanded Prof Umdor’s resignation, citing administrative paralysis and failure to address key issues.
