May 17, 2026 (IMP): Expressing serious concern over the ongoing controversy surrounding the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor In-Charge of Manipur University, which has created confusion among students, faculty members, and non-teaching staff, the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) has called upon the competent authorities to immediately constitute a High-Level Fact-Finding Committee to thoroughly examine the matter and bring clarity, transparency, and accountability to the public domain.
The student body stated that, as per the provisions of the Manipur University Act, 2005, and in accordance with the relevant statutes, the Registrar of Manipur University issued an official order on May 6, 2026, handing over the charge of Vice-Chancellor In-Charge to Professor Sumitra Phanjoubam of the Department of Physics. As the senior-most professor available, she was designated to perform the duties of Vice-Chancellor In-Charge under Statute 2(6) of the University Statutes following the conclusion of the tenure of the outgoing regular Vice-Chancellor.
However, AMSU noted with concern that another notification issued by the Registrar on May 7, 2026, contradicted the earlier order by stating that “Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam shall perform the duties of the Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge) w.e.f. 07.05.2026 (afternoon) until she attains the age of 65 years or a new Vice-Chancellor assumes office or instructions are received from the Ministry of Education, whichever is earlier.”
According to AMSU, such contradictory notifications have raised serious questions and confusion regarding the interpretation of the University Statutes and established administrative conventions.
AMSU stated that, as per university convention and recent precedents, whenever the tenure of a regular Vice-Chancellor ends due to retirement or superannuation, the senior-most professor may perform the duties of Vice-Chancellor In-Charge only after obtaining approval from the competent authorities, such as the Visitor of the University and the Ministry of Education.
In this regard, AMSU strongly questioned why the university authorities failed to inform the competent authorities well in advance before the expiry of the tenure of the regular Vice-Chancellor.
The union stated that had timely communication and necessary approval processes been initiated prior to the vacancy, the present administrative confusion affecting students, faculty members, employees, and the public could have been avoided.
AMSU further raised serious questions before the university authorities and the Ministry of Education regarding the apparent contradiction between the provisions of the Manipur University Statutes and the subsequent administrative developments relating to the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor In-Charge, Prof. Ganga Prasad Parsain of the Commerce Department, Manipur University, appointed on May 14, 2026.
In this regard, AMSU sought clear clarification from the competent authorities on whether the provisions of the University Statutes independently empower the university to appoint a Vice-Chancellor In-Charge through the senior-most professor under Statute 2(6), or whether the Ministry of Education, being the higher administrative authority and acting on behalf of the Visitor of the University, may independently appoint a Vice-Chancellor In-Charge, overriding or superseding such statutory arrangements.
AMSU also questioned whether the present controversy arose due to a communication gap, administrative lapse, or lack of proper coordination between the university authorities and the Ministry of Education prior to the expiry of the tenure of the regular Vice-Chancellor. It stated that had there been timely communication and procedural clarity between the concerned authorities, the present confusion and conflicting interpretations could possibly have been avoided.
The union further urged the university authorities to issue a clear and transparent clarification on the matter without delay.
AMSU also appealed to all stakeholders of the university community, including teachers, student bodies, employees, and concerned individuals, to exercise restraint and maintain institutional harmony during this sensitive period by ensuring that academic activities, examinations, admission processes, research work, and the academic calendar of Manipur University and its affiliated colleges are not disrupted.
Given the already fragile educational environment in conflict-affected Manipur, AMSU stressed that the academic future and careers of thousands of students must not be compromised under any circumstances.
The union strongly emphasised that the university administration, teaching community, employees, student bodies, and all concerned authorities must collectively ensure the uninterrupted functioning of academic and administrative activities in the larger interest of students and the institution.
AMSU maintained that the present controversy should be resolved through lawful, transparent, and democratic institutional mechanisms without adversely affecting the university’s educational atmosphere.
The union further stated that Manipur University, being the premier higher educational institution of the state, must function strictly within the framework of the University Act, statutes, administrative transparency, previous precedents, and established norms.
It added that any ambiguity or conflicting interpretation concerning the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor In-Charge must therefore be clarified immediately by the competent authorities in the larger interest of the institution and the public.
