In response to significant concerns regarding the administration at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Prof. Saroj Kanta Barik, the senior-most professor from the Department of Botany, has been appointed as the Acting Vice-Chancellor. This action was precipitated by a formal request from various statutory bodies and unions within NEHU, including the NEHU Teachers’ Association and the NEHU Students’ Union, amid ongoing issues at the institution. The appointment aligns with Statute 2(A)5(i) of the NEHU Act, which empowers the senior-most professor to fulfill the Vice-Chancellor’s duties until the official commencement of the incumbent. The urgency of this decision is underscored by the absence of the regular Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, who has not been present at the university for over 399 days, and the recent resignation of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, resulting in a leadership vacuum. Stakeholders emphasize that Prof. Barik’s role is crucial for maintaining administrative continuity and safeguarding the university’s academic integrity.
