1. NEHU Vice-Chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla leaves campus, citing “unavoidable circumstances.”
2. Students’ hunger strike enters day 11, demanding Shukla’s resignation and Registrar’s removal.
3. Protests intensify as students push for accountability and administrative changes.
Shillong, Nov 15: Amid intensifying protests at Meghalaya’s North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Vice-Chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla has vacated the campus and proceeded on leave, citing “unavoidable circumstances.”
The students’ indefinite hunger strike, now in its 11th day as of November 15, continues to press for VC Shukla’s resignation and the removal of the Registrar, among other key demands.
In his leave application, VC Shukla stated that he would be on Earned Leave (EL) from November 15, with an official leave period from November 17 to November 29. He also mentioned the possibility of extending his leave if necessary.
To ensure administrative continuity, Shukla designated the university’s senior-most professor, Prof. N. Saha, or another senior faculty member, to take charge of the Vice-Chancellor’s responsibilities during his absence.
The leave application read:“Due to some unavoidable circumstances, I am leaving the campus on Earned Leave (EL) with effect from today, i.e., 15/11/2024, with prefix and suffix. The leave period will be from 17/11/2024 to 29/11/2024 and can be extended further if required. During my absence, the Senior Most Professor of the university (Prof. N. Saha or others) shall look after the charge/duties of the Vice-Chancellor.”
Also Read: Meghalaya: NEHU Students’ Union President Hospitalized After Health Deteriorates Due to Hunger Strike
Earlier, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, announced the formation of a two-member committee to investigate allegations of mismanagement and administrative lapses within NEHU.
In an official order dated November 14, the Ministry cited “serious concerns raised by students, student associations, and media reports” as the basis for this decision.
The situation at NEHU remains tense, with students resolute in their demands and the administration under scrutiny.
