The NEHU administrative turmoil intensified this week after Registrar‑in‑Charge Prof. Saurabh Kumar Dixit resigned from his position, citing excessive workload and alleged interference from Vice Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla. His resignation, submitted on Tuesday, marks yet another blow to the already strained administrative structure of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in Shillong.
According to The Shillong Times, Prof. Dixit stepped down due to “excessive work pressure” and “undue interference” from the Vice Chancellor. NE News also reported that his exit follows a series of resignations by senior officials, including a Finance Officer who relinquished charge earlier this monthnenews.in.
The crisis has raised serious concerns about governance, transparency, and the future of one of Northeast India’s most prominent central universities.
NEHU Administrative Turmoil: What Triggered the Resignation?
The resignation of Prof. Dixit did not occur in isolation. Instead, it reflects a deeper administrative breakdown that has been unfolding for months.
Workload and Interference Allegations
Sources told The Shillong Times that Prof. Dixit struggled with an overwhelming workload and frequent interference from the Vice Chancellor’s office. These issues reportedly made it difficult for him to function independently or manage the Registrar’s responsibilities effectively.
Multiple Senior Officials Stepping Down
Earlier this month, another senior professor holding charge as Finance Officer also resigned, worsening the administrative vacuum. NE News confirmed that several officials have expressed frustration over governance issues and lack of support from the top leadershipnenews.in.
Shortage of Experienced Officers
NEHU is already grappling with a shortage of experienced administrative officers. The departure of key personnel has left critical positions unmanned, slowing down decision‑making and affecting academic operations.
Governance Crisis: A University Under Strain
VC’s Emergency Executive Committee Meeting Raises Eyebrows
Amid the turmoil, the Vice Chancellor reportedly instructed officials to convene an emergent Executive Committee (EC) meeting from his camp office in Guwahati. This unusual move has raised questions about transparency and procedural integrity.
Long‑Standing Issues at NEHU
This crisis is not new. A 2024 report by Careers360 highlighted governance issues, questionable appointments, and student protests over infrastructure and transparency. The current resignations appear to be the latest chapter in a long‑running institutional struggle.
Impact on Students and Faculty
The administrative instability has created uncertainty for students, faculty, and staff. Delays in approvals, stalled academic processes, and communication gaps have become increasingly common.
NEHU Administrative Turmoil: What Happens Next?
Search for New Registrar‑in‑Charge
The university must now appoint a new Registrar‑in‑Charge at a time when few senior officials are willing to take on additional responsibilities. The shortage of experienced officers complicates the process.
Growing Calls for Intervention
Faculty groups, student bodies, and alumni are urging the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) to intervene. Many believe that only external oversight can restore stability.
Possible Government Review
Given the scale of the crisis, a formal review of NEHU’s governance structure may be inevitable. Stakeholders argue that the university needs structural reforms, transparent appointments, and stronger administrative support.
READ MORE: Def Leppard Shillong Concert Announced for March 25, 2026
The NEHU administrative turmoil is more than an internal dispute — it threatens the academic stability of thousands of students and the reputation of a premier central university. As the crisis deepens, stakeholders must demand transparency, accountability, and immediate corrective action.
Students, faculty, and alumni can play a crucial role by staying informed, raising concerns through official channels, and urging authorities to restore order. NEHU stands at a crossroads, and the decisions made now will shape its future for years to come.