Dimapur: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Tuesday demanded the termination of NIT Nagaland director A. Elayaperumal within 30 days, citing vigilance proceedings initiated against him by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), Tamil Nadu, over the alleged “ghost faculty” issue.
In a representation to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Education, the NSF also sought disciplinary action against NIT Nagaland registrar Manoj E. Prabhakar, following his suspension by the institute’s Board of Governors chairman on August 5.
The NSF said the DVAC matter was reported in the national print media on November 15 last year. It said an FIR and criminal proceedings had been registered in connection with allegations of cheating, collusion and corruption involving officials of Anna University, with Elayaperumal named in the FIR.
The federation urged the Ministry of Education to verify the current status of the case and examine whether it has any bearing on Elayaperumal’s appointment or continuation as director of an institution of national importance.
It also sought verification of whether the requisite vigilance clearance and no-objection certificate from his parent institution, reportedly Anna University, were obtained before his appointment and assumption of charge.
The NSF requested the Ministry to examine the relevant appointment and service records.
The federation also raised concerns over Elayaperumal’s accessibility and alleged prolonged absence from the institute. It asked the Ministry to verify his attendance, official tour and leave records, student grievance records and overall administrative functioning.
The NSF further cited concerns over the reported non-availability of annual reports for 2024-25 and 2025-26, delays in infrastructure projects and inadequate or delayed communication about seminars, scholarships, workshops and other academic opportunities.
It also alleged that Elayaperumal had not convened a meeting of the Board of Governors for the past 10 months.
On the registrar, the NSF said Prabhakar’s suspension order cited “non-cooperation, incompetency and total failure” in performing his duties as registrar and member secretary of the Board of Governors.
The federation said it was concerned that Prabhakar continued to attend the institute despite the suspension order and urged the Ministry to initiate disciplinary action and remove him from the post.
The NSF also asked the Ministry to ensure that students, faculty members and other stakeholders participating in any inquiry were protected from retaliation or victimisation and that their academic interests remained safeguarded.
It urged the Ministry to take action on the issues raised in its representation.