NEHU VC P S Shukla Goes on Leave Amid Centre’s Probe and Students’ Hunger Strike

Prof Shukla’s decision to go on leave has sparked speculation that this could be because of the inquiry set up by the Centre against him.

Embattled Vice Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Professor Prabha Shankar Shukla has gone on a 15-day leave, citing family reasons. This move comes within hours of the Union Education Ministry announcing a 2-member inquiry committee to probe the allegations levelled against him by the NEHU Teachers Association and the students of the University in Shillong.

Prof Shukla’s decision to go on leave has sparked speculation that this could be because of the inquiry set up by the Centre against him.

Prof. Shukla addressed his leave application to Subrat Pradhan, Director in the Department of Higher Education, leading to speculation that the leave may be extended further.

Speaking to Northeast Live, Prof. Shukla clarified, “I am taking leave due to personal family issues. My father’s health is not good.”

NEHUTA Vice President Prof. Prasenjit Biswas criticized the timing of the VC’s leave application, remarking, “He should have taken this step on the first day. He delayed for 12 days until the situation went completely out of control. Now that the ministry has set up a committee to investigate, he cannot influence the process directly or indirectly. Therefore, it’s better for him to resign. If the investigation clears him, the ministry can reappoint him.”

Prof. Biswas further stated, “He should take responsibility and act like an academician, not an escaping politician. I appeal to the government and relevant authorities to wake up and address this issue.”

Earlier in the day, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma visited the NEHU campus to meet students participating in an indefinite hunger strike, now in its 11th day. During his visit, the Chief Minister assessed the students’ health and assured them of swift action to resolve the crisis.

Despite this, NEHUSU General Secretary Tonohi Kharsati expressed disappointment with the committee’s 15-day deadline, stressing the urgency of the situation. “It will be difficult for students to wait that long. We have requested the Chief Minister’s direct intervention,” Kharsati said.

Both the NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) and the Students’ Union (NEHUSU) have voiced dissatisfaction with the committee’s composition and approach, calling for immediate and effective measures to address the ongoing unrest.

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