ITANAGAR, Jul 12: The All Nyishi Students' Union (ANSU) has served a seven-day ultimatum to the Union Ministry of Education, demanding immediate action over alleged administrative, financial and recruitment irregularities at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST).
In a memorandum submitted to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the union warned that it would launch an indefinite peaceful democratic agitation across Arunachal Pradesh if corrective measures were not initiated within the stipulated period.
ANSU alleged that the premier technical institution has been facing prolonged administrative instability under the present leadership, adversely affecting governance, transparency and public confidence. It claimed that despite repeated representations and submission of documentary evidence, the ministry had failed to take appropriate action.
The union demanded that NERIST Director Dr Narendranath S be relieved from his post pending completion of an inquiry. It also sought implementation of the recommendations of the one-member inquiry committee constituted by the Ministry of Education in December 2025 to examine administrative and academic issues at the institute.
According to ANSU, resolutions adopted during meetings between the institute's administration and stakeholders in November 2025 and May 2026 regarding recruitment rules, administrative reforms and implementation of the inquiry committee's recommendations have either been ignored or selectively implemented. It further alleged that certain administrative decisions were taken beyond the scope of the inquiry report.
The union also raised concerns over the institute's financial management, alleging irregularities in the release of payments for civil works despite objections raised during inspections. It claimed that payments were cleared within an unusually short period and called for a detailed examination of the expenditure.
Questioning the recruitment process for the post of Executive Engineer (Civil), ANSU alleged that an advertisement issued in June 2026 permitted recruitment through deputation or short-term contract despite approved recruitment rules prescribing 100 per cent direct recruitment. It contended that the move violated recruitment norms and deprived eligible candidates of an opportunity to compete.
The union further alleged that the institute had ignored a Ministry of Education communication directing adherence to the approved recruitment rules. It also objected to the constitution of a Departmental Promotion Committee while issues relating to recruitment norms remained under examination.
Additionally, ANSU questioned the transfer of financial responsibilities from the Registrar to another officer, claiming the move was inconsistent with an earlier Board of Management resolution.
The union urged the Centre to initiate disciplinary proceedings against officials found responsible after due inquiry, examine the legality of the recruitment process and restore transparency and accountability in the functioning of NERIST.
ANSU warned that if the Ministry of Education fails to act within seven days, it will launch an indefinite peaceful democratic movement across Arunachal Pradesh.