Prof Sherwin M Sungoh has resigned from her position as Pro Vice Chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) just 19 days after taking charge, citing intense pressure and lack of administrative authority.

In her resignation letter submitted on April 9, Prof Sungoh wrote, “It has been difficult for me to function as Pro Vice-Chancellor under extreme pressure.” Her resignation comes amid rising unrest among student and teacher organizations demanding reforms in the university’s administration.

She pointed to key challenges, including the prolonged absence of Vice Chancellor Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla from the university headquarters and insufficient delegation of financial and administrative powers. According to Prof Sungoh, these limitations severely hindered her ability to carry out day-to-day responsibilities effectively.

Despite stepping down from the Pro VC post, she will continue to serve as Acting Vice Chancellor as per university statutes, being the senior-most professor.

Her sudden departure has raised concerns over NEHU’s leadership and functioning, especially with crucial decisions such as School Board recommendations pending and the student admission process for the new academic session approaching. “It is imperative to find out an amicable solution to the existing problems before it is too late,” she stated.

NEHU is currently grappling with unresolved legal matters, affiliation issues, and academic challenges, underscoring the urgent need for stable leadership and administrative clarity.