NEHUNSA urges Centre to extend statutory powers to VC in-charge, end ongoing crisis

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 23, 2025

The North Eastern Hill University Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA) on Thursday sought the intervention of the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for extending statutory powers to the vice-chancellor (in-charge) of the university.

“We have appealed to the Union Minister to extend special statutory powers to the Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) for recruiting the advertised posts for non-teaching staff. Taking into account the delay in resolving the present crisis that has evolved in the University, NEHUNSA said that it shall be highly obliged if the request sought for is granted,” president of the association Dr. WR Synrem said in a statement.

He said the association has also urged the Union Minister for his early intervention in solving the ongoing crisis within the University.

“As the regular Vice-Chancellor has gone on leave due to the prevailing situation, the senior most professor is looking after the office of the Vice-Chancellor, as per NEHU Acts and Statutes,” Dr. Synrem said.

According to him, the Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) has limited powers in executing the overall affairs of the University, causing a stalemate and, more importantly, the recruitment of staff for which the posts have been advertised.

He informed that the strength of the regular staff is declining rapidly whereby most of the staff are retiring at an average of 50 or more in a year.

“It was impressed upon the Union Minister of Education that if recruitment is not done soon, the University’s administration will surely come to a standstill,” Dr. Synrem added.