Shillong, Dec 2: Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma has called for an immediate resolution to the ongoing crisis at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), where students have been demanding the ouster of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla. The Vice-Chancellor is accused of unethical appointments and administrative irregularities, which have led to widespread protests and disruption of academic activities.

Speaking on the issue, Sangma admitted limited involvement from the state government but emphasized that efforts have been made to escalate the matter to the central government. “I don’t have full information on this, and as the state government, we have a limited role. However, I have personally written to our Honourable Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of India, and they are aware of the situation. It is very unfortunate that such things are happening in a university,” he stated.

Sangma highlighted that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had also written multiple times to the central government, urging swift action. “The Ministry of Education should decide what is best for the interest of the students. Irrespective of the outcome of the inquiry committee, any decision must suit the environment of the state and protect the academic future of students,” he added.

When asked about the ongoing two-member inquiry into the allegations and whether the Vice-Chancellor should remain away from the university, Sangma refrained from taking a definitive stand. “I won’t say whether he should stay or leave. The issue is finding a solution. Whether Option A, B, or even C resolves the problem, we need to act now. This prolonged disruption is unfortunate, especially for students whose academic future is at stake,” he remarked.

On the controversial request by the Vice-Chancellor for central security to return to the university, Sangma avoided direct comments but stressed the importance of listening to the students’ voices. “Our students are not enemies to anyone. Their concerns must be heard, whether their demands are genuine or not. What matters now is finding a solution,” he asserted.

Sangma also addressed broader academic issues at NEHU, including challenges with affiliated colleges, syllabus alignment, and the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP). He expressed hope that the acting Vice-Chancellor, appointed by the Ministry of Education, would work towards resolving these matters.

As the Vice-Chancellor remains on extended leave until December 13, the academic community awaits the outcome of the inquiry and subsequent action from the central government. Sangma concluded by urging the Ministry of Education to act swiftly, stating, “I am only concerned about the academic careers of our students. The solution must come quickly to protect their future.”

Read: Meghalaya marks World AIDS Day, focusing on Health Rights and Awareness

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