Nehu VC goes on leave amid protests in Meghalaya

Shillong: North Eastern Hill University (Nehu) vice-chancellor Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla has proceeded on leave until Nov 29 amid ongoing protests by students and faculty members demanding his removal.The students and faculty have expressed strong opposition to the VC's appointments of registrar and assistant registrar, considering the selected individuals unsuitable for their respective positions.Citing "unavoidable circumstances" in an electronic communication to the registrar, Shukla announced his decision to take earned leave from Nov 17. During the VC's absence, Prof N Saha, the most senior academic at Nehu, has been assigned the administrative responsibilities.The Union ministry of education has initiated an inquiry into the alleged administrative irregularities at Nehu following discussions between chief minister Conrad K Sangma and Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan regarding the university crisis.Former UGC chairman Prof D P Singh will lead the investigation committee, with Prof Dilip Chandra Nath, former VC of Assam University as a member. The committee must submit its findings within 15 days.Last Sunday witnessed vandalism of the VC's official residence and vehicle by unidentified persons, while several protesting students on hunger strike required hospitalisation.
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