Shillong, Mar 4: The North-Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) has strongly condemned Vice-Chancellor Prof. P. S. Shukla’s claim that he has resumed his duties despite not officially rejoining after months of earned leave.
Prof. Lakhon Kma, NEHUTA President, and Dr. Marbhador M. Khymdeit, General Secretary, NEHUTA expressed concern over the unprecedented nature of Prof. Shukla’s claim, stating that in NEHU’s 50-year history, no one has ever resumed duty virtually while remaining absent from the university headquarters in Shillong.
The association accused Prof. Shukla of violating NEHU’s Act, Statutes and Ordinances by asserting that he has resumed his role while allegedly being on an official tour.
The controversy is further fueled by an ongoing inquiry into alleged wrongdoings by Prof. Shukla.
NEHUTA pointed out that the findings of the inquiry are yet to be made public and that he was advised to go on leave until the process was complete.
The teachers’ body questioned how he could claim to be back in office when he had never physically rejoined.
NEHUTA criticised the situation as a betrayal of university procedures and a continuation of what they describe as Prof. Shukla’s damaging tenure.
The association stated that his past mismanagement had already brought NEHU to its lowest point and that his latest move would only lead to further chaos and confusion.
Calling the attempt to resume duty “unstatutory and blatantly violative” of university norms, NEHUTA urged the authorities to uphold the integrity of NEHU’s governance.
It is worth mentioning that amid the ongoing student strike at the university, Vice Chancellor Prof. Prabha S. Shukla went on leave on November 15, last year.
In his leave application, he cited “unavoidable circumstances” for taking earned leave from November 15, followed by additional leave from November 17 to November 29, with the possibility of an extension if needed.
During his absence, the senior-most professor, Nirmalendu Saha, assumed charge as the Acting Vice Chancellor.
 has strongly condemned Vice-Chancellor Prof. P. S. Shukla’s claim that he has resumed his duties despite not officially rejoining after months of earned leave.){kind=link}