AAPYO Advocates for NERIST Director Amid Controversy

Itanagar, India Jul 19, 2026 ALN: The All Youth Organization (AAPYO) has made a formal appeal to the Governor to intervene in the ongoing issues at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST). The organization is urging that the institute’s Director, Prof. Narendra S, be allowed to operate without external pressures. This call for support comes amidst a backdrop of serious allegations and administrative turmoil that has caught the attention of various stakeholders in the region.

The NERIST, established in 1984, is a premier technical institution in the northeastern part of India, dedicated to the development of science and technology in the region. It has been instrumental in fostering education and research, catering to thousands of students pursuing degrees in engineering, technology, and applied sciences. The institution has played a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of the northeastern states, which historically have faced various challenges, including limited access to quality education and infrastructure.

During a press conference held at the Press Club, AAPYO president Kipa Kanam emphasized that the institute has seen significant advancements under Prof. Narendra S's leadership since he took office. He called on the All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) and the All Students’ Union (AAPSU) to refrain from interfering in the internal matters of the prestigious technical institute. The AAPYO's stance underscores a growing sentiment among certain student groups and local organizations who believe that external pressures could undermine the progress made at NERIST.

While Kanam acknowledged the concerns raised by ANSU and AAPSU regarding the establishment of an independent inquiry committee to investigate allegations of malpractice and corruption, he firmly stated, “When the Director is discharging his responsibilities with utmost dedication and sincerity, demanding his removal is not acceptable.” This statement reflects a broader debate about accountability and governance within educational institutions, particularly in light of the sensitive nature of allegations that can impact reputations and operational integrity.

Kanam further noted that students at NERIST have shown their support for the Director by opposing calls for his resignation. “Before arriving at any decision regarding the removal of the Director, we must consider the future of more than 3,000 students pursuing their education at the institute,” he added. The involvement of the student body in this issue highlights the importance of student governance and representation in institutional matters, particularly in a region where educational opportunities are often limited.

In light of the one-man inquiry committee report, known as the Patra Committee, AAPYO pointed out that Prof. Sarat Kumar Patra, Director of NIT Agartala, was tasked with investigating academic and administrative issues at NERIST. This inquiry led to the suspension of Registrar MK Camder and Assistant Registrar Doge Kamduk due to alleged irregularities and manipulation in the Recruitment Rules (RRs) 2022 for non-teaching staff. The implications of these findings raise significant questions about governance and oversight within the institution, as well as the broader educational framework in the region.

According to the findings of the Patra Committee, both Camder and Kamduk were implicated in forgery and tampering with the approved RRs of the institute. AAPYO reported that illegal insertions were made for positions such as Deputy Registrar and Joint Registrar, which do not exist in the approved RRs. These alterations were allegedly carried out under the supervision of MK Camder, who is responsible for maintaining records, and Doge Kamduk, Assistant Registrar (Establishment). AAPYO described this as a serious breach of trust and duty for which both officials are directly accountable. Such actions not only erode trust in the administrative processes but also have far-reaching consequences for the integrity of the institution.

Addressing financial and governance lapses, AAPYO highlighted that MK Camder has served as the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) for over eight years, which is a clear violation of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) guidelines that recommend periodic rotation from sensitive posts. Additionally, his designation as ‘Finance Officer’ on the institute’s website lacks clear and explicit approval. These governance issues point to a need for stricter adherence to regulatory frameworks designed to ensure transparency and accountability in public institutions.

Moreover, MK Camder was found to be non-compliant with a directive from the Ministry of Education (MoE) that ordered his removal from the position of DDO (Finance) and other sensitive roles. AAPYO claimed that this directive has been blatantly disregarded. The failure to comply with such directives raises concerns about the oversight mechanisms in place within NERIST and the potential for systemic issues that could affect the institution's operational integrity.

The AAPYO has called upon all stakeholders to come together to resolve these issues amicably, prioritizing the interests of the institution and the student community. This appeal reflects a desire for collaborative governance that seeks to balance accountability with the need for stability in leadership, particularly in an educational environment where the quality of governance directly impacts student outcomes and institutional reputation.

The situation at NERIST not only highlights the internal challenges faced by educational institutions in India but also serves as a reminder of the importance of governance, transparency, and accountability in maintaining the integrity of academic environments. As various parties continue to navigate this complex landscape, the outcomes of these discussions and actions will likely have lasting implications for the future of NERIST and its role in the educational framework of the northeastern region.