The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has urged the Union Ministry of Education to initiate appropriate disciplinary and administrative action against the Director of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Nagaland, Dr A. Elayaperumal, and seek his termination from the post within 30 days.
In a representation to the Secretary, Ministry of Education, the Pithungo Shitio, Editor, NSF and Convenor, Education Committee and Temjentoshi, Secretary Publicity & Information, NSF, Member Secretary, Education Committee raised a series of concerns regarding the alleged administrative functioning, institutional transparency and governance of the institute under the incumbent Director.
The Federation cited reported vigilance proceedings and a subsequent FIR involving Dr Elayaperumal in Tamil Nadu and urged the Ministry to independently verify the status of the case and determine whether it has any bearing on his appointment or continuation as Director of an Institution of National Importance.
The NSF 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.
On administrative functioning, the Federation alleged concerns over the Director’s accessibility and reported prolonged absence from the institute. It urged the Ministry to examine his attendance, official tour and leave records, student grievance records and overall administrative functioning.
The NSF further raised concerns over the reported non-availability of annual reports for 2024-25 and 2025-26, delays in infrastructure projects and inadequate or delayed communication regarding seminars, scholarships, workshops and other academic opportunities. It also alleged that Board of Governors meetings had not been conducted for the past 10 months.
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Another major concern highlighted by the Federation was the delay in holding the institute’s convocation and issuing degrees. According to the NSF, the last convocation was held in 2023, while subsequent graduating batches are still awaiting their degrees. It said the delay was affecting students’ employment prospects, higher education, competitive examinations and professional opportunities.
The Federation urged the Ministry to ascertain the reasons for the delay and fix responsibility for any administrative lapses.
The NSF also called for protection of students, faculty members and other stakeholders who may participate in any inquiry, stressing that no individual should face retaliation or victimisation and that students’ academic interests must be safeguarded.
On the Director, the Federation requested the Ministry to initiate appropriate disciplinary and administrative proceedings and, where warranted, terminate Dr Elayaperumal from the post within 30 days of receiving its representation.
The NSF also sought immediate intervention in connection with the suspension of NIT Nagaland Registrar Dr Manoj E Prabhakar.
The Federation stated that the Registrar was suspended by the Chairman of the Board of Governors on August 5, 2026, citing reasons including alleged non-cooperation, incompetence and failure to perform his duties as Registrar and Member Secretary of the Board of Governors. The Registrar is reportedly on deputation to NIT Nagaland from Nagaland University.
The NSF expressed concern over the alleged continued presence of the Registrar at the institute despite the suspension order and urged the Ministry to ensure strict compliance with the order. It called for his immediate removal from NIT Nagaland and appropriate disciplinary action under the applicable rules.
The NSF appealed to the Ministry of Education to take prompt, impartial and decisive action to restore accountability, transparency and confidence in the functioning of the institute.
