SHILLONG : Amid the continuing administrative deadlock at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Meghalaya Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has appealed to Prof Sumarbin Umdor to resume his responsibilities as the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the university.
Prof Umdor had tendered his resignation on December 15; however, it has not been formally accepted to date. The ongoing impasse at NEHU has been largely attributed to the prolonged absence of Vice-Chancellor Prof Prabha Shukla, who has reportedly been away for over 422 days.
The situation has begun to severely affect the functioning of the university, including academic activities and the timely payment of salaries to staff members. A delegation comprising various stakeholders recently met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Education Minister Rymbui, urging the state government to intervene and help resolve the crisis.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Rymbui said the Meghalaya government is actively engaging with the central government and the Union Ministry of Education to find a solution.
He pointed out that the stalemate has not only impacted NEHU’s Shillong headquarters but has also affected nearly 70 affiliated colleges across the state.
Emphasising the need to prioritise the welfare of students and university employees, the minister urged Prof Umdor to reconsider his resignation.
“I request Dr Umdor to resume his duty so that the administration at the Shillong campus can function, at least at a basic level,” Rymbui said.
He further expressed hope that the central government would step in to ensure a permanent resolution to the ongoing crisis.