Shillong, July 30: The Hynniewtrep Youth’ Council (HYC) has called on North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) In-charge Vice-Chancellor Prof. Saroj Kanta Barik to resign on “moral grounds”, alleging that his appointment does not conform to the provisions of the university’s statutes.

In a letter issued on Thursday, the HYC stated that the office of the Vice-Chancellor is a statutory position and must be filled strictly in accordance with the NEHU Act and Statutes. The organisation claimed that Prof. Barik’s acceptance of the additional charge has raised serious concerns among stakeholders of Meghalaya’s only Central University.

The council further alleged that senior faculty member Prof. R. Khongsdier was overlooked despite his merit and seniority, describing the decision as a departure from established academic norms and principles of fairness.

The HYC urged the competent authorities to entrust the responsibility of the university’s leadership to the senior-most eligible professor in accordance with the applicable rules, stating that such a step would help restore confidence in the institution’s governance.

Warning of further action, the HYC said it would be compelled to adopt “other course of actions” if its demand is not addressed by the authorities.