Shillong: The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) is in a tight spot as its Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) has thrown down the gauntlet, delivering a strong ultimatum to the university administration. Demanding immediate resolution to a litany of administrative woes that have reportedly plagued the institution for months, NEHUTA has submitted a comprehensive memorandum to Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Sumarbin Umdor, setting clear and unyielding deadlines for critical appointments and much-needed structural reforms.
The most pressing concern highlighted by the association revolves around the School of Social Sciences, which has been functioning without a regular dean for over a year. NEHUTA has given the authorities until June 16 to appoint a permanent dean, categorically opposing any interim reappointment of former leadership. The association is pushing for appointments to be strictly based on seniority and rotational principles, underscoring the importance of constitutional equality rights in the process.
Adding to the faculty’s grievances are significant delays in Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions. NEHUTA has stipulated a June 19 deadline for the completion of stages one through three of the promotion process. Stages three through six are expected to be wrapped up by July 9. These holdups, the association points out, have created considerable uncertainty among faculty members who are looking to advance their careers in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.
Financial irregularities have also come under the scanner. NEHUTA has demanded the immediate suspension of salaries for two employees, Omkar Singh and Amit Gupta, citing unauthorised absences beyond permissible leave limits. Furthermore, the association has called for the immediate transfer of digital signatures from Omkar Singh’s name to prevent any further administrative complications.
Structural reforms are also high on NEHUTA’s agenda. The association is pushing for the reconstitution of both the Building Committee, currently chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, and the Transport Committee, led by the Registrar, within a week. These proposed changes aim to foster more transparent and unbiased decision-making processes within the university.
Infrastructure concerns have reached a critical juncture, with faculty quarters and academic facilities reportedly in urgent need of repairs. The association has given the university a three-month window to carry out comprehensive maintenance work, addressing years of neglect that have impacted daily operations.
The tendering processes for the Tura Campus construction project have also drawn NEHUTA’s scrutiny. The association is demanding strict compliance with financial regulations and proper retendering procedures. Additionally, questions have been raised regarding the current status of the Bijni Complex, with NEHUTA seeking clarification from the university authorities.
Administrative oversights have only compounded the existing problems, according to the association. NEHUTA has flagged unfair promotion dates, delayed confirmations for retired faculty members, and irregular convocation schedules, all of which affect the overall academic calendar planning.
A significant financial demand involves claiming a sum of one crore rupees from the Ministry of Education for the new Gate number 1 project. The association states that this amount was promised by a visiting ministry team to stakeholders, and immediate action is required to settle contractor dues and facilitate the gate’s inauguration.
NEHUTA’s memorandum further addresses Statute 6(1), which pertains to dean appointments and reappointments. The association argues that the current provisions have been misused by university authorities and has recommended statutory revisions to ensure transparent and equitable appointment processes moving forward.
The ongoing reliance on outsourced and guest faculty has intensified the recruitment crisis, leading to financial strain on university resources. NEHUTA has demanded that advertisements for regular non-teaching staff positions be released by June 25, with appointments to be completed within three months. Similarly, advertisements for teaching faculty recruitment are expected by July 15, with similar timelines for appointments.
The comprehensive nature of NEHUTA’s demands reflects broader concerns about institutional governance and administrative efficiency. Faculty members have openly expressed their frustration over delayed processes, which they believe are negatively impacting their professional development and, consequently, the university’s academic reputation.
The university authorities are now under immense pressure to address these systemic issues within the stipulated timeframes. NEHUTA’s structured approach, with precise deadlines for each concern, underscores the urgency felt by faculty members to resolve these long-standing administrative challenges. The outcome of these demands will likely play a crucial role in determining the university’s operational stability and faculty relations in the coming months. Swift action on these issues could potentially restore confidence in the university administration, while any further delays may escalate tensions between the faculty and management.
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