DIMAPUR, AUG 25 (NPN): Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has urged the Ministry of Education to initiate disciplinary and administrative proceedings against NIT Nagaland Director Dr. A. Elayaperumal and terminate him from the post, citing alleged vigilance proceedings, questions over service clearance, administrative concerns and delays affecting students.
In a representation to the Secretary, Ministry of Education, NSF NSF editor & convenor education committee Pithungo Shitio and secretary publicity & information and member secretary education committee Temjentoshi said it had taken cognizance of vigilance proceedings reportedly initiated by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), Tamil Nadu, concerning Elayaperumal, which were reported in national media in November 2025. It further referred to an FIR and criminal proceedings allegedly involving charges of cheating, collusion and corruption in a “ghost faculty” case concerning officials of Anna University, in which Elayaperumal was reportedly named.
The federation urged the Ministry to verify the official status of the case and examine whether it had any bearing on his appointment or continuation as Director of an Institution of National Importance. NSF also raised questions over whether the requisite vigilance clearance and No Objection Certificate (NOC) from his parent institution, reportedly Anna University, were obtained before his appointment and assumption of charge. It requested verification of the relevant appointment and service records.
On administrative functioning, the Federation claimed students had raised concerns over the Director’s accessibility and alleged prolonged absence from the institute.
It urged the Ministry to verify his attendance, official tour and leave records, student grievance records and overall administrative functioning.
NSF also alleged that annual reports for 2024-25 and 2025-26 were reportedly unavailable, while delays in infrastructure projects and inadequate or late communication regarding seminars, scholarships, workshops and other academic opportunities had caused concern. It further claimed that the Board of Governors had not met for the past 10 months.
The federation highlighted the prolonged delay in convocation and issuance of degrees, stating that the last convocation of NIT Nagaland was reportedly held in 2023 and that subsequent graduating batches were still awaiting their degrees. It said the delay could affect students’ employment, higher education, competitive examinations and professional opportunities.
NSF also urged the Ministry to ensure that students, faculty and other stakeholders participating in any inquiry were protected from retaliation or victimisation.
In its key demand, the Federation sought initiation of appropriate disciplinary and administrative proceedings against Elayaperumal and his termination under applicable rules. It requested that, where warranted and in the institutional and public interest, action be initiated within 30 days of receipt of its representation.
NSF also called for action against NIT Nagaland registrar Dr. Manoj E. Prabhakar, citing a suspension order issued by the vhairman, Board of Governors, NIT Nagaland, on August 5, 2026. According to the NSF, the order cited alleged non-cooperation, incompetence and failure to perform duties as Registrar and member secretary of the Board of Governors.
NSF claimed that despite the suspension order, Prabhakar, who is on deputation from Nagaland University, continued to attend and remain present at the institute. It urged the Ministry to ensure compliance with the order, remove him from NIT Nagaland and initiate appropriate disciplinary action.
The federation appealed to the Ministry to take prompt, impartial and decisive action to restore accountability, transparency and confidence in the functioning of NIT Nagaland, while safeguarding students’ academic interests.
