NEHU in turmoil: How governance issues and lack of transparency in appointments sparked a campus-wide unrest

NEW DELHI: A two-member team, led by DP Singh, former chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), arrived in Shillong on November 25 to assess the escalating crisis at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU).

The visit follows weeks of mounting tensions at the Meghalaya-based institution where students, faculty and staff have publicly challenged the university’s administrative leadership. Persistent concerns about governance, appointments, and infrastructure have transformed from quiet discontent into vocal, organised protests.

The core of the conflict centers on contentious administrative appointments, particularly the key positions of the registrar and deputy registrar, questioning the transparency and fairness of the selections. Students have pointed out errors in official communication and questioned the processes that led to these appointments, accusing the administration of compromising on quality.

The controversy reached a critical point during the October 25, 2024 Academic Council meeting, where demands for the registrar's removal exposed deeper governance problems.

Infrastructure challenges further fuel the unrest, especially at the Tura campus. Departments lack proper facilities, with classes frequently conducted in makeshift spaces like hostels. Essential academic resources, including computer laboratories, remain non-functional. Overcrowded living conditions and inadequate research facilities have turned student frustration into a sustained movement for institutional reform.

Faculty members too are caught between institutional dynamics and student demands. In an exclusive interview with Careers360, a faculty member and member of the North Eastern Hill University Teachers' Association (NEHUTA), speaking anonymously, offers an insider’s perspective on the university’s challenges and the urgent need for comprehensive restructuring.

How have NEHU’s issues evolved?

The challenges we face today began even before the current Vice Chancellor (VC) took charge. Under the previous VC, Professor Srivastava, there was little emphasis on development or student-related activities. This left faculty, students, and non-teaching staff feeling neglected. These issues have persisted under the current VC, who assumed office in 2021. His tenure runs until 2026, and he has already completed nearly three and a half years.

What are the students’ concerns regarding the appointment of the registrar and deputy registrar?

Students have raised concerns about the quality of the appointments. For instance, the registrar has been criticised for errors in official documents, including grammatical mistakes in public letters. They feel the appointments were not made with due diligence and that those who are appointed do not meet the expected standards.

What happened during the Academic Council meeting in October 2024?

During the meeting on October 25, 2024, students and some faculty members called for the registrar’s removal, as he also serves as the VC’s secretary and records the meeting minutes. They argued that the registrar was unfit for the role and should not be allowed to participate in the meeting.

The tension peaked when the registrar remained seated while the VC was standing, which further angered council members. The VC’s refusal to take any action only intensified the frustration.

Were these proper appointments?

There were issues with the selection process. For example, the deputy registrar wasn’t selected by one committee but appeared on the first list in a subsequent selection, raising questions. These matters were not handled transparently and this lack of clarity has deepened the crisis.

What are the infrastructural challenges on the Tura campus?

The Tura campus is struggling with significant infrastructure challenges. With around 11-12 departments, some – like the history and archaeology department – lack dedicated spaces and adequate facilities. Classes are held in the boys' hostel, which is far from ideal. There is no computer lab, and hostel accommodations are inadequate. Research scholars, in particular, face difficulties with no proper facilities. These issues have persisted for years with little to no meaningful improvements.

What are the hostel conditions?

The boys' hostel is overcrowded because it is also used by other departments. Hostels should only serve as living spaces, but they are being used for academic purposes as well. These problems have persisted for around 13 years.

How do you view the challenges students face at the university?

I empathise deeply with the students. They work hard to reach their academic goals, whether it's for undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD degrees. They face numerous exams, assignments, and projects — all essential for their academic progress. However, with the ongoing infrastructure issues and the current situation at the university, students are facing even more stress. The ongoing protests are a result of their frustration, and it’s heart-wrenching to witness.

What are the urgent infrastructural requirements?

There is an urgent need for a fully equipped computer lab to support academic and research activities. The Entrepreneurship Development Cell, which is being developed with the support of the Meghalaya government, also needs better facilities. Additionally, the university needs adequate hostel accommodations for research scholars, both male and female. Without proper infrastructure, it becomes extremely challenging to run programs effectively.

What do you think the future holds for the university?

I hope the university is able to maintain its reputation. The problems we’re facing should not reflect poorly on the institution as a whole. The administration needs to listen to the raised concerns to preserve the university’s credibility. Those in charge may change, but the institution should always come first.