Meghalaya: NEHUTA to 'Expose' Alleged Corruption by Vice Chancellor in Delhi Delegation

The North-Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) in Meghalaya revealed plans to send a delegation to New Delhi to highlight alleged corrupt practices by Vice Chancellor Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla, reportedly in collusion with the Manipur Tribal Development Corporation (MTDC), Imphal, concerning project works at NEHU’s Tura campus.

The announcement came during a protest outside the Vice Chancellor’s office, part of NEHUTA’s ongoing campaign against the university administration. NEHUTA President Lakhon Kma told the press that the delegation will meet Ministry of Education officials within the next week or ten days, presenting evidence of alleged corruption, financial mismanagement, and administrative overreach by Prof Shukla.

“We are heading to Delhi to demonstrate how Prof Shukla’s interference has undermined efforts to maintain normalcy at NEHU,” Kma stated. He accused the Vice Chancellor of releasing Rs 82 lakh to MTDC for an incomplete project just 15 days after the work order was issued. “MTDC took the funds and then requested additional time to finish the work, pointing to clear collusion between Prof Shukla and MTDC,” NEHUTA claimed.

The association also criticised Prof Shukla for being absent from his office for 333 days while still drawing a full salary. “For nearly a year, he has been absent, yet continues to collect his salary while the Pro-Vice Chancellors of Shillong and Tura handle his responsibilities,” NEHUTA said, calling it a misuse of public funds.

Kma expressed frustration with the Ministry of Education for ignoring the issue, describing the situation as unprecedented in India. He further noted that, despite the Ministry’s May assurance that Prof Shukla would not chair NEHU’s Executive Council (EC) meetings, the Vice Chancellor has continued to meddle in university affairs. “The Ministry promised he would be on leave during EC or Academic Council meetings, but his defiance betrays that commitment,” Kma said.

NEHUTA strongly opposes Prof Shukla presiding over the upcoming EC meeting, alleging he aims to legitimise questionable project allocations to MTDC. “The Campus Development Department has always managed NEHU’s major construction projects. Outsourcing to MTDC suggests ulterior motives,” Kma asserted.

The protest also highlighted broader faculty grievances, including delayed promotions, non-implementation of the Career Advancement Scheme, irregular reappointment of a dean, financial rule violations, pending medical reimbursements, and poorly maintained faculty quarters.

The demonstration follows NEHUTA’s resolutions from September 25 and October 8, reflecting mounting frustration over what the association calls “administrative failure and ethical decline” under Prof Shukla’s leadership.