The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has urged the Ministry of Education to initiate proceedings for the termination of NIT Nagaland Director Dr A Elayaperumal, citing concerns over an ongoing vigilance case, institutional governance, administrative functioning and delays affecting students.
In a representation submitted to the Secretary, Ministry of Education, the NSF said it had taken cognizance of vigilance proceedings initiated by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), Tamil Nadu, concerning Dr Elayaperumal. The Federation also referred to reports of an FIR and criminal proceedings in connection with an alleged “ghost faculty” matter involving officials of Anna University, in which Dr Elayaperumal has reportedly been named.
The NSF, however, called on the Ministry to verify the official status of the case and examine whether it has any bearing on his appointment or continuation as Director of an Institution of National Importance.
The Federation also questioned whether the requisite vigilance clearance and No Objection Certificate from Dr Elayaperumal’s parent institution, reportedly Anna University, were obtained prior to his appointment and assumption of charge. It urged the Ministry to verify the relevant appointment and service records.
Raising concerns over the administration of NIT Nagaland, the NSF alleged that students have faced difficulties in accessing the Director and questioned his reported prolonged absence from the institute. It called for verification of his attendance, official tour and leave records, student grievance records and overall administrative functioning.
The Federation further alleged that annual reports for 2024-25 and 2025-26 have not been made available, while delays have occurred in infrastructure projects and communication relating to seminars, scholarships, workshops and other academic opportunities.
It also claimed that meetings of the Board of Governors had not been conducted for the past 10 months.
The NSF separately raised concerns over the delay in the conduct of convocation and issuance of degrees. According to the Federation, the last convocation of NIT Nagaland was held in 2023, while students from subsequent graduating batches are still awaiting their degrees.
It said the delay could adversely affect students seeking employment, higher education, competitive examinations and other professional opportunities, and urged the Ministry to ascertain the reasons and fix responsibility for any administrative lapses.
The Federation also requested the Ministry to ensure protection of students, faculty members and other stakeholders participating in any inquiry from retaliation or victimisation.
On the Director, the NSF called for appropriate disciplinary and administrative proceedings under applicable rules and requested that, where warranted, Dr Elayaperumal be terminated from the post within 30 days of receipt of its representation.
The NSF also sought immediate action against NIT Nagaland Registrar Dr Manoj E Prabhakar, referring to a suspension order issued by the Chairman, Board of Governors, NIT Nagaland, on August 5, 2026.
According to the Federation, the order cited alleged non-cooperation, incompetence and failure to perform his duties as Registrar and Member Secretary of the Board of Governors. Dr. Prabhakar is on deputation to NIT Nagaland from Nagaland University.
The NSF alleged that despite the suspension order, the Registrar continues to attend and remain present at the institute. It urged the Ministry to ensure compliance with the suspension order, remove him from NIT Nagaland and initiate disciplinary action in accordance with applicable rules.
The representation was signed by Pithungo Shitio, Editor, NSF and Convenor of its Education Committee, and Temjentoshi, Secretary Publicity & Information and Member Secretary of the Education Committee.
Copies of the representation were also submitted to the Chairman, Board of Governors, NIT Nagaland; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Education; Governor of Nagaland; and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Nagaland.