AAPYO Opposes Removal of NERIST Director Amid Administrative Issues

Itanagar, India Jul 19, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 18 Jul: The All Youth Organisation (AAPYO) has publicly opposed the demand for the removal of North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) Director Prof Narendranath S. The organization is urging the governor and the Union Ministry of Education to intervene in the ongoing administrative issues at the institute.

The AAPYO stated that the director had merely acted on the recommendations of a ministry-appointed inquiry committee. They warned that his removal could negatively impact the academic future of nearly 3,000 students enrolled at NERIST.

During a press conference held at the Press Club, AAPYO president Kipa Kanam emphasized that NERIST is not just an educational institution but a premier institute serving all eight Northeastern states. He asserted that the issues facing the institute are of regional significance and should be resolved in accordance with the rules and decisions set forth by the Union Ministry of Education.

Kanam revealed that the AAPYO has submitted a three-point representation to the governor, requesting immediate intervention. Similar representations have been forwarded to the chief minister, the Union education minister, the Union minister of ports, shipping and waterways, the Union minister of parliamentary affairs, and the MPs from and other Northeastern states, advocating for the protection of NERIST's future.

He noted that the AAPYO became involved in the matter approximately a month ago, following reports of prolonged unrest among students at NERIST. The organization examined available documents and engaged with stakeholders before submitting its representation.

According to Kanam, the AAPYO uncovered evidence of maladministration, malpractice, and non-compliance with the NERIST Society byelaws. He alleged that these irregularities have persisted for several years due to violations of the institute's approved recruitment rules for non-teaching staff.

Referring to the one-man inquiry committee led by Prof Kumar Patra, director of NIT, Kanam explained that the committee was established by the Ministry of Education on December 9, 2025, to investigate the academic and administrative issues at NERIST following student protests that began on November 28, 2021.

Kanam alleged that the committee identified serious irregularities in the appointments of two non-teaching officials – MK Camdir and Doge Kamduk – who reportedly secured promotions by circumventing and manipulating the institute's recruitment rules, presenting themselves as joint registrar and deputy registrar, respectively.

He claimed that, acting on the Patra Committee's recommendations, NERIST Director Prof Narendranath suspended both officials on May 29, 2026.

Kanam further alleged that shortly after the suspension orders were issued, supporters of the suspended officials, including Mai Aram Camdir, general secretary of the All NERIST Students’ Union, along with representatives from external student organizations, visited the director's office demanding the revocation of the suspension orders. He alleged that the director was threatened with serious repercussions if he did not withdraw the disciplinary action, which led him to submit his resignation to the Ministry of Education.

However, Kanam stated that the ministry did not accept the resignation and instead instructed Prof Narendranath to continue in his role as director of NERIST.

Criticizing the All Students’ Union (AAPSU) for demanding the director's removal, Kanam labeled it as “illogical” and contrary to the findings of the ministry-appointed inquiry committee. He argued that the director should not be penalized for executing the committee's recommendations.

While expressing respect for the AAPSU, the All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU), and other student organizations, Kanam urged them not to interfere in NERIST's administrative affairs or support officials accused of breaching recruitment rules. He contended that student organizations should prioritize the welfare and academic interests of students rather than influence decisions that fall within the purview of the Ministry of Education and the NERIST board of management.

Kanam asserted that backing officials accused of manipulating recruitment rules would only perpetuate similar practices in public institutions. He claimed that recognized student organizations within NERIST, representing all eight Northeastern states, are satisfied with the current director's performance and questioned the motives of outside organizations demanding his removal.

Highlighting the director's achievements, Kanam noted that Prof Narendranath successfully implemented the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at NERIST, established the department of food engineering and technology, introduced BSc programs in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, and facilitated monthly fellowships of Rs 8,000 for BSc and NEP PhD scholars.

He further credited the director with recruiting 43 faculty members across various departments, introducing research grants of Rs 5 lakh for newly recruited faculty to enhance the institute's research ecosystem, and improving students’ academic performance, including the qualification of several undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026.

Kanam expressed concern that removing the director before appointing a regular successor could disrupt the academic progress of the institute. He pointed out that the process of appointing a regular director is lengthy and argued that there is no justification for seeking the immediate removal of the current director before due process is completed.

Describing NERIST as one of the premier higher educational institutions in the Northeast, Kanam warned that prolonged instability and external interference could harm the institute’s reputation and future. He also expressed apprehension that continued disruption could jeopardize the institute’s long-term standing in the region.

Kanam claimed that the AAPYO possesses video evidence concerning the alleged pressure exerted on the director following the suspension orders and stated that the organization would make it public if necessary.

Concluding the press conference, Kanam reiterated that the AAPYO is not motivated by political considerations but solely aims to safeguard the interests of students and protect NERIST. He emphasized that the institute serves nearly 3,000 students from , the Northeast, and other parts of the country, warning that unnecessary interference in its administration could adversely affect their future.

Reiterating the organization’s stance, Kanam affirmed that the AAPYO fully supports the implementation of the recommendations made by the ministry-appointed Patra Committee and the disciplinary action against officials found to have violated recruitment rules. However, he stressed that the current director should not be removed until a new director is appointed through the established procedure.

He appealed to all stakeholders to allow due process to unfold and work collaboratively for the stability, integrity, and continued development of NERIST.