Dimapur: Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Tuesday demanded the removal of NIT Nagaland director A Elayaperumal within 30 days, citing vigilance proceedings initiated by Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), Tamil Nadu, in connection with the “ghost faculty” issue.The NSF said the matter was reported in the national print media on Nov 15, 2025.The federation also urged Union ministry of education to initiate disciplinary action against and remove the institute’s registrar, Manoj E Prabhakar, following his suspension by chairperson of NIT Nagaland board of governors on Aug 5 for “non-cooperation, incompetency and total failure” in discharging his duties as registrar and member-secretary of the board of governors.The NSF said it was concerned that Prabhakar continued to attend the institute despite the suspension order.In a representation to the secretary of Union ministry of education, the NSF expressed concern over the administration and functioning of NIT Nagaland under Elayaperumal. It said criminal proceedings had been initiated and an FIR registered in connection with allegations of cheating, collusion and corruption in the “ghost faculty” matter involving officials of Anna University, with Elayaperumal named in the FIR.The federation urged the ministry to verify the official status of the case and examine whether it had any bearing on Elayaperumal’s appointment or continuation in office, given his position as director of an institution of national importance.The NSF also questioned whether the requisite vigilance clearance and no-objection certificate from his parent institution, reportedly Anna University, had been obtained before his appointment or assumption of charge. It asked the ministry to verify the relevant appointment and service records.The federation said students had raised concerns about the director’s accessibility and alleged prolonged absence from the institute.“The ministry may kindly verify his attendance, official tour records, leave records, student grievance records and overall administrative functioning,” the representation said.The NSF further said concerns had been raised over the reported non-availability of the 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.The federation also alleged that Elayaperumal had not convened a meeting of the board of governors for the past 10 months.It urged 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.
