Meghalaya Govt Rules Out Tenure Extension for NLU VC Amid Serious Misconduct Allegations

Shillong: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui categorically stated that the Meghalaya government will not grant any extension to National Law University (NLU) Vice Chancellor Prof Indrajit Dube if university regulations prohibit it, following strong protests and evidence of alleged financial irregularities submitted by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU).

Prof Dube’s current term is scheduled to end in February 2026. The KSU, which met the minister on Thursday, demanded that no extension be considered and that the VC’s post be advertised immediately upon expiry to ensure a transparent and merit-based appointment.

Minister Rymbui assured that the government will first examine the university’s statutes and rules governing tenure. “If the rules do not permit an extension, there will be no extension. We will strictly follow the law,” he said, adding that any probe into the allegations will be taken up only after the tenure question is settled legally.

The minister underscored the importance of maintaining the highest standards of integrity at NLU Meghalaya, which was established to produce top-quality legal professionals for the state and the country. “Even the slightest doubt on the conduct of those in key positions cannot be ignored in an institution of this stature,” he emphasised.

KSU general secretary Donald V Thabah accused Prof Dube of treating public funds as “personal property” and presented RTI documents alleging multiple instances of financial impropriety, including:

- Expenditure of ₹3 lakh on alcohol and beverages during a climate investment event  
- Payment of ₹45 lakh in salaries to resident and associate professors who reportedly did not take any classes  
- ₹15 lakh spent on travel with no clear distinction between official and personal trips  

Thabah said the union had first raised these issues several months ago with the previous Law Minister, Ampareen Lyngdoh, who had promised action within two months. However, no visible steps were taken before the September cabinet reshuffle that brought Rymbui into the portfolio.

The KSU resubmitted the entire dossier and memorandum to Minister Rymbui on Thursday and warned that any attempt to extend Prof Dube’s tenure despite the allegations would be seen as the state government succumbing to undue influence.

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