Centre begins search for new NEHU Vice-Chancellor amid ongoing campus unrest

The Centre has initiated the process for appointing a new Vice-Chancellor for North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in Shillong amid continued uncertainty surrounding the functioning of the institution.

The Ministry of Education on Wednesday invited online applications from eligible candidates for the post, with the application process set to remain open until June 18.

According to the official notification, the Vice-Chancellor, as the university’s academic and administrative head, must possess “the highest level of competence, integrity, morals and institutional commitment”.

Eligible candidates should be distinguished academicians with at least 10 years of experience as a professor in a university or possess equivalent experience in reputed research or academic administrative institutions. Applicants are also required to demonstrate academic leadership credentials.

The selected candidate will receive a fixed monthly salary of Rs 2.10 lakh, along with a special allowance of Rs 11,250 and other applicable benefits.

The notification stated that the appointment will be made from a panel recommended by a committee constituted under the university’s governing provisions.

The development comes amid prolonged unrest at the Shillong-based central university.

Current Vice-Chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla has largely remained away from campus since proceeding on leave in November 2024 following protests by students’ and teachers’ organisations demanding his removal over alleged administrative and governance issues.

Over recent months, several student and faculty bodies have staged demonstrations and sought intervention from the Centre over concerns relating to the functioning of the university administration.

The move to begin the appointment process is expected to be closely watched by stakeholders amid continuing calls for administrative stability at NEHU.