Prof Saroj Kanta Barik Assumes Charge as Acting Vice-Chancellor of NEHU

In response to growing concerns regarding the administration of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Prof. Saroj Kanta Barik, the university’s most senior professor from the Department of Botany, has taken on the role of Acting Vice-Chancellor. His appointment was prompted by the urgency and seriousness of the situation at NEHU, with the Ministry of Education being notified for further directives.

This move followed formal requests from various statutory bodies and unions within the university, including the North-Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association, the Non-Teaching Staff Association, the Students’ Union, the Khasi Students’ Union (NEHU Unit), and the Meghalaya Tribal Teachers’ Association (NEHU, Shillong). These organizations cited Statute 2(A)5(i) of the NEHU Act, which permits the senior-most professor to act as Vice-Chancellor to protect the university’s interests until the current Vice-Chancellor formally takes office as per Statute 2(A)(2).

The associations expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation, particularly regarding the absence of the regular Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, who has not been seen at the NEHU headquarters in Shillong for over 399 days. Compounding the issue was the resignation of the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Shillong campus, which further disrupted the administrative structure and left no one in place for a formal transition of power.

Given these circumstances, the stakeholders emphasize that Prof. Barik’s interim leadership is crucial to maintain administrative stability and safeguard the academic and institutional interests of NEHU, ensuring that the university’s operations can continue effectively during this tumultuous period.