Shillong — North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) is bracing for a complete halt in operations as non-teaching staff prepare to begin an indefinite strike on November 4, protesting prolonged delays in filling critical staff vacancies.
The NEHU Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA) announced the strike following unfulfilled promises to fill essential roles and address longstanding grievances.
The crisis traces back to November 2023, when NEHU advertised multiple non-teaching positions, yet none of these roles have been filled. This delay escalated in July 2024 when the National Testing Agency (NTA), initially assigned to handle recruitment, withdrew.
Despite the university issuing a call for alternative agencies to manage the hiring process, the September 30 deadline passed without an appointment, leaving the positions vacant.
NEHUNSA’s demands include the immediate publication of the examination syllabus and test dates, critical steps in advancing the stalled recruitment process.
Additionally, the association highlighted ongoing delays in employee promotions, particularly for those with over a decade of service.
The strike has garnered support from the university’s teachers and students associations, all of whom have been vocal about growing administrative issues at Meghalaya’s only central university. NEHUNSA representatives expressed concern about the “administrative paralysis” NEHU faces without urgent action.
Despite multiple attempts by NEHUNSA to engage university officials, no resolution has been reached, prompting the association to proceed with the work stoppage. The strike will affect all administrative and technical operations across the university.
Read More: Manipur Police Intensifies Crackdown, Arrests Multiple Insurgent Cadres Amid Security Surge