Shillong, July 30: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council in the letter sign by the president Mr. Roy Kupar Synrem and the education secretary mr. Enlang Sawian was given to Professor Saroj Kanta Barik In-charge Vice-Chancellor North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) to resign on moral grounds from the Office for upholding the Rule of Law and the NEHU Statutes.
The letter sent by the HYC to the In-charge Vice-Chancellor North-Eastern Hill University stated “The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) writes to you with concern regarding your acceptance of the office of In-charge Vice-Chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University”.
“As a senior Professor who has served NEHU for many years, you are well acquainted with the provisions of the North-Eastern Hill University Act, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations. It is in this context that your acceptance of an appointment which, in our considered view, raises questions regarding conformity with the NEHU Statutes, has led to concern among us the stakeholders of the only Central University in our State”.
The office of the Vice-Chancellor is not merely an administrative position; it is the highest statutory office in the University, entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring adherence to the governing legal framework of the institution. It is therefore expected that appointments to this office are made and accepted in strict accordance with the applicable Statutes.
A senior academic who has served the University over a long period is generally expected to uphold and safeguard its statutory framework. In the present circumstances, concerns have been expressed that the continuation in office may affect confidence in the University’s governance processes. Such situations, if not addressed appropriately, may have implications for institutional trust and administrative stability.
The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council also wishes to place on record its concern regarding perceptions of deviation from established norms of fair and transparent academic administration within NEHU. It is to be noted that senior and eligible faculty member that is Prof. R. Khongsdier, have not been accorded due consideration in accordance with merit, seniority, and established institutional practice.
The Council believes that adherence to such principles is essential for maintaining confidence in the fairness of the University’s governance system. In light of the above, the HYC respectfully requests Prof Saroj Kanta Barik to consider resigning from the office of In-charge Vice-Chancellor on moral grounds. Such a step would be viewed as an affirmation of respect for statutory provisions and would help uphold the dignity of your long academic service.
The organisation request that Prof. Saroj Kanta Barik that he may advise the competent authority to entrust the charge of the Vice-Chancellor to the senior-most Professor, in accordance with the provisions of the NEHU Statutes. This would contribute to restoring confidence in the University’s administrative processes and ensure continuity in governance.
It is generally recognized that institutional leadership is strengthened when decisions reflect adherence to principle and established norms. We therefore hope that you will give this matter due consideration in the interest of the University.
The HYC remains committed to the protection of the autonomy, integrity, and statutory governance of North-Eastern Hill University and trusts that this representation will be considered in the appropriate spirit. Failing which the organisation will be compelled to take other course of actions to ensure that our demands are fulfilled in the interests of our community and the University as a whole.
