Shillong, August 17: The North-Eastern Hill University would like to clarify to the public at large, on certain matters, raised in media, regarding gender or community discrimination or harassment issues pertaining to NEHU Faculty.
The general public is already aware that NEHU is a Central University and receives its funding from the Government of India to run its academic, administrative or financial affairs, in the best interest of the students and society. Therefore, various directions issued from time to time by the Government of India, concerned Ministry i.e. MHRD, UGC etc. need to be followed. Also, the provisions of Acts & Statutes, General Financial Rules (GFR), Service Conduct Rules etc. are to be observed by all.
As per NEHU Act and Statutes, the Hon’ble President of India is the Visitor of the University. Any directive from the Hon’ble Visitor must be complied and implemented by the University and stakeholders. As per NEHU Act and Statutes, the Executive Council is the Principal Executive body of the University consisting of members who hold the office for certain time.Therefore, the EC members must comply with the directives of the Visitor (Hon’ble President of India).
Some of the Executive Council Members including a lady member did not comply with the directives of the Visitor and also did not perform the duty as EC member as provided in the NEHU Act & Statutes, in one of the EC meeting.
The Vice-Chancellor and NEHU Administration holds in high esteem the dignity of all the women employees including Faculty, Non-teaching staff and students and also exhibits due respect for the sentiments and rights of all communities including Tribal Communities.
NEHU follows zero tolerance for any offence and harassment to women and the University does not discriminate on Gender or Communities, in Service matters and Conduct Rules. Further, NEHU respects the constitutional bodies like ST Commission and Women Commission and any action taken by NEHU has nothing to do with gender issues or community to which the lady member belongs.
The VC of NEHU Similarly, in another case, two Heads of Departments which includes a Lady Professor were removed temporarily for non-compliance of MHRD direction regarding online classes. Once again, this action taken by NEHU has nothing to do with gender issues.
Thus, such allegations by any stakeholder is nothing but an attempt to malign NEHU which affects the overall perception, ranking and image of the premier University.
