The North-Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) has demanded the immediate removal of Vice Chancellor PS Shukla. Shukla has been absent from his Shillong office for 390 consecutive days . NEHUTA criticizes the Ministry of Education’s "indifferent attitude" toward the issue, despite persistent calls for Shukla’s dismissal from various university stakeholders.
NEHUTA’s official statement to the Ministry of Education highlighted Shukla’s prolonged absenteeism, administrative lapses, and alleged financial violations. The teachers’ association confirmed Shukla continues to receive his full salary throughout his absence. NEHUTA praised the Ministry’s decisive actions against the Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University, urging comparable intervention for NEHU.
Mounting Calls for Removal
The demand for Shukla’s removal extends beyond faculty. NEHUTA stated that students, teachers, and non-teaching staff—the core stakeholders of NEHU—have all called for his dismissal for over a year. The broader community surrounding the university also supports these demands.
Despite this unified front, Professor Shukla, referred to by NEHUTA as the "VC in absentia," has remained in his position. NEHUTA has urged the Centre to respond robustly, emphasizing the Meghalaya state government’s acknowledged "helplessness" in removing the Vice Chancellor. The association believes federal intervention is essential to restore proper administration at the university.
Charges of Corruption and Misuse of Funds
NEHUTA has framed specific charges against PS Shukla. These include sustained absence from office, allegations of large-scale corruption, and the misuse of university funds. Further accusations involve the misuse of authority for lavish and unproductive foreign trips.
During his tenure of three years and four months as NEHU’s Vice Chancellor, records indicate Shukla was absent from his office for an average of 144 days per year . This accumulates to a total of 480 days of absence over his entire term. These frequent absences, especially for trips largely to Delhi and abroad, reportedly had "zero outcome" for NEHU. Instead, they significantly drained the university’s limited financial resources for travel allowances and daily expenses.
Alleged Rs 98 Crore Project Irregularity
A specific instance of alleged financial misconduct cited by NEHUTA involves projects worth Rs 98 crore at the NEHU Tura campus. The association claims PS Shukla signed an agreement with the Manipur Tribal Development Corporation Limited (MTDC), Imphal, for these projects.
Crucially, this agreement was reportedly executed without the mandatory approval of two key internal bodies: the Finance Committee and the Executive Council. NEHUTA alleges this bypass of established procedures points to "planned corruption" orchestrated by the Vice Chancellor. This purported violation raises serious questions about transparency and adherence to financial regulations.
Urgent Call for New Leadership
Given these serious allegations and the prolonged administrative vacuum, NEHUTA has reiterated its urgent appeal to the Ministry of Education. The association demands Shukla’s immediate removal from his post. Furthermore, they insist that the Ministry promptly initiate the process for appointing a new Vice Chancellor for NEHU, aiming to restore stability and proper governance to the institution. The teachers’ body seeks a swift resolution to the leadership crisis plaguing the university.