Neeraj Tamang Zimba, the MLA of Darjeeling, has sought intervention from governor C.V. Ananda Bose to overcome the administrative crisis at Darjeeling Hill University (DHU) stemming from the absence of a vice-chancellor.

The MLA, in his letter to governor Bose on Wednesday, mentioned the administrative stalemate prevailing at DHU, which runs out of the premises of the Industrial Training Institute in Mungpoo of Darjeeling hills.

“This year, there has been no admission. If there is no admission, then technically it is assumed that the university is not functioning. I would like to know the stand of the state government on it,” said Zimba.

“The crux of the matter lies in the prolonged absence of a permanent vice-chancellor, a critical appointment that is essential for the smooth functioning of the varsity. It is the time to unite for the sake of these innocent students
and ensure that their right to education is safeguarded against the disruptions caused by power struggles,” he
added.

Sources said that the admission to DHU stopped because of the persistent power tussle between the state and the office of the governor.

“Students of DHU have been bearing the brunt of the ongoing blame game. The collateral damage of such conflict is detrimental to their education, their future and the foundation of the nation,” said a senior academic based in the hills.

Zimba said that during the current Assembly session,
he brought the matter to
the fore while addressing state education minister Bratya Basu.

“In response, the minister apprised that the appointment of a regular VC of DHU was pending at the governor’s office. The admission has stopped because of the non-appointment of the VC by the chancellor of universities,” said Zimba.

Sources said that several students of DHU dropped the session in the middle and some were even compelled to discontinue their education because of lack of physical classes and infrastructure and even shortage of faculty.

In October 2018, a bill to establish the varsity, which was a longstanding demand of hill residents, was passed in the Assembly.

The varsity came up and started offering postgraduate courses in six subjects, English, history, mass communication, mathematics, Nepali and political science.

“The hill varsity has around 350 enrolled students but it appears around 25 per cent of them have dropped out because of how it functions,” said a source.