Meghalaya: NEHU Vice Chancellor Defends NEP Implementation and Appointments Amid Controversy

SHILLONG: In a recent press conference, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Vice Chancellor, Prabha Shankar Shukla, vehemently refuted allegations raised by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), a collective body representing NEHUTA, NEHUNSA, and NEHUSU. The allegations pertained to the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP) and the appointment of a contractual Technical Officer/Senior Consultant at NEHU, Meghalaya.

Shukla, in his address to the media, clarified that the implementation of NEP 2020 at the postgraduate level was carried out with full approvals from the relevant authorities. He emphasized the advantages of NEP for the new generation of students and highlighted its widespread adoption throughout the country.

Regarding the appointment of Rohit Prasad, Shukla strongly asserted that the JAC's claims of illegality were without merit. He pointed out that the NEHU Act conferred the Vice Chancellor with the authority to take immediate action on any matter, and Prasad possessed the requisite qualifications and experience for the position.

However, Shukla expressed his disappointment with the JAC's apparent reluctance to engage in meaningful discussions. He cited a letter from the NEHUTA Executive Committee, indicating their unwillingness to meet with the Vice Chancellor to discuss the issue.

The Vice Chancellor, in his appeal to the JAC, urged them to come forward and engage in a rational discussion while adhering to the university's Act, Statutes, and Regulations. He emphasized his openness to seeking guidance from the teaching and non-teaching staff to reach an amicable decision in the best interests of the university's future.

Regarding a separate incident, Shukla confirmed that an FIR had been filed in response to a ragging incident at NEHU's Tura Campus, and the matter was under investigation by the police. The NEHU Public Relations Officer (PRO) clarified that Naga Elders and NGOs had not submitted any report, nor was it expected of them. Their involvement had been limited to a meeting with the Vice Chancellor and the university administration to review the ongoing investigation. The official report on the incident was submitted by the university's Inquiry Committee.

In summary, the NEHU Vice Chancellor stands by the legality of NEP implementation and the appointment in question, and he appeals for a constructive and lawful dialogue with the Joint Action Committee. Additionally, the university is actively addressing the ragging incident at its Tura Campus through the appropriate legal channels.

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