Amid ongoing student protests at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Vice-Chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla has taken leave, citing “unavoidable circumstances,” as tensions on campus continue to rise.
Shillong:In a significant development at Meghalaya’s North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Vice-Chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla has left the campus on leave, coinciding with escalating protests and unrest among students. The move comes as the indefinite hunger strike, now in its 11th day, intensifies with students demanding Shukla’s resignation and the removal of several university officials, including the Registrar.In his official leave application, dated November 15, Shukla cited “unavoidable circumstances” as the reason for his absence and requested earned leave (EL) from November 17 to November 29. He also mentioned the possibility of extending his leave if needed.During his absence, the university’s senior-most professor, Prof. N. Saha, or another senior faculty member, will assume the responsibilities of the Vice-Chancellor, according to Shukla’s statement.This decision comes amid growing dissatisfaction on campus, as students continue their protest against what they describe as administrative mismanagement. The Union Ministry of Education had earlier announced the formation of an investigative committee to address concerns raised by students and student associations, as well as media reports, regarding the university’s governance.As the hunger strike enters its 11th day, the tension between students and the administration shows no signs of easing, with the university’s leadership under increasing scrutiny.
Comments are closed.