Exclusive
Shillong, May 21: The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) on Wednesday conducted its long-awaited adjourned Academic Council meeting, with the Teachers’ Association hailing the session as “fruitful and civilised” after a hiatus of nearly six months.
Speaking to Meghalaya News 24 following the meeting, NEHU Teachers’ Association President Prof. Lakhon Kma stated that a wide range of academic matters were taken up, including the nomination of experts to various school boards, the appointment of joint PhD supervisors, declaration of PhD results, revisions to the undergraduate and postgraduate syllabi, and issues related to temporary, permanent, and new affiliations of colleges.
“It was a very productive session. The discussion was exhaustive, covering urgent academic issues. What is significant is that almost all listed agenda items were deliberated upon thoroughly,” said Prof. Kma.
He attributed the meeting’s efficiency and success to the leadership of Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. S.M. Sungoh, stating, “Unlike earlier meetings chaired by Prof. P.S. Shukla, which often began hours late, this meeting started on time and ended within schedule due to Prof. Sungoh’s timely presence and effective chairing.”
The Academic Council had authorised Prof. Sungoh to chair the meeting in her capacity as Acting Vice-Chancellor, a decision which Prof. Kma said was in line with NEHU’s statutory provisions. “The entire house unanimously agreed to her authority to preside over the meeting,” he said.
Over 160 members participated in the meeting—more than 125 offline and over 35 online—reflecting the collective interest in the university’s academic progress, despite it being a reconvened session that did not mandate a quorum.
Prof. Kma also acknowledged the presence and active participation of members from the Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association (MCTA) and affiliated college principals, emphasising that the discussions were centred on broader academic interests of both the university and its stakeholders.
He added, “The quality of deliberation was focused and civil. This level of engagement has been rare in recent years.”
In a sharp critique of former Vice-Chancellor Prof. P.S. Shukla, Prof. Kma alleged that much of the university’s progress had been stalled during his tenure. “What could not be accomplished in three and a half years was achieved in just six months. His absence from the headquarters has been a blessing in disguise. The campus environment has improved visibly—be it roads, lighting, or the overall atmosphere,” he remarked.
Dismissing Prof. Shukla’s alleged objections to the legitimacy of the meeting, Prof. Kma said, “His claims are unfounded. As per the statute, Prof. Sungoh is fully empowered to discharge the functions of the Vice-Chancellor in his absence. NEHU has no jurisdiction outside Meghalaya, and since he is not in station, she is the acting VC by default.”
He further alleged that Prof. Shukla is attempting to cast aspersions on a legitimate academic process. “We strongly condemn his remarks, though we are not surprised. The more NEHU flourishes in his absence, the more rattled he becomes,” Prof. Kma said.
The Academic Council is NEHU’s apex body for academic decision-making and includes faculty, principals, and external academic experts.
