Manipur Universities in Crisis: Who Protects Academic Integrity?

The continuing controversies surrounding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in Manipur’s universities have once again exposed the alarming crisis gripping higher education in the state. Appointments that should strictly be based on academic merit, transparency, and institutional norms are increasingly becoming sources of distrust, conflict, and instability. Allegations that established university statutes and procedures are being ignored have deepened public suspicion over the fairness and credibility of the selection process.
This issue is not about targeting any individual. It is about protecting the autonomy, dignity, and academic integrity of universities. Educational institutions are not political playgrounds where rules can be bent to suit administrative convenience or vested interests. Universities are centres of learning meant to nurture knowledge, critical thinking, research, and intellectual growth. Such institutions must be led by competent scholars with academic vision, administrative integrity, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of students and teachers.
The appointment of Professor Ganga Prasad Prasain has once again sparked serious public concern. Critics argue that the appointment violates Statute 2(6) of Manipur University, which states that the senior-most professor should be appointed as Vice-Chancellor in charge. When statutory provisions are ignored, institutional discipline collapses and confidence in the university administration erodes. It sends a dangerous message that rules and regulations can be bypassed at will.
Adding to the controversy are the allegations linked to Professor Ganga Prasad Prasain tenure at Tripura University. Reports suggest that he attempted to continue in office even after the completion of his tenure and after attaining the prescribed age limit, allegedly violating Central University regulations and the Tripura University Act, 2006. University officials have also raised allegations regarding questionable recruitment practices during his tenure, including claims of favouritism and the overlooking of deserving local candidates. Such allegations, whether proven or not, are serious enough to demand transparency and scrutiny before entrusting leadership responsibilities in another major institution.
The people of Manipur still remember the painful unrest during the tenure of former Vice-Chancellor Prof. A.P. Pandey. The university campus witnessed prolonged protests, severe disruption of academic activities, and unprecedented instability. Thousands of students lost valuable academic time while the learning environment deteriorated sharply. It was the students — not the administrators — who suffered the most. Their careers, examinations, and futures were pushed into uncertainty.
Unfortunately, even after those bitter experiences, Manipur University continues to witness repeated controversies, administrative disputes, and student agitations. The persistence of such instability reflects a deeper structural failure in university governance. Instead of learning from past mistakes, authorities appear determined to repeat them.
Students and teachers deserve transparent, merit-based, and academically sound leadership. Seniority, institutional norms, and statutory provisions must be respected to maintain trust and stability within the university community. Universities should function as centres of excellence and social progress — not as battlegrounds of controversy, power struggles, and administrative arrogance.
The growing perception that academic institutions are being managed with political or business-like interests rather than educational vision is deeply damaging. Universities cannot be run with the mindset of contractors, power brokers, or political loyalists. Decisions affecting higher education must be guided by academic wisdom, integrity, and concern for students’ futures. Ignoring deserving senior professors while imposing controversial appointments only fuels resentment and weakens the institution further.
At this critical moment, the Governor of Manipur, as the Rector of the state universities, must act responsibly to safeguard fairness, transparency, and accountability in the appointment process. The Central Government must also respect university statutes and carefully examine the professional records, academic contributions, and integrity of those entrusted with leadership roles.
The future of Manipur’s higher education system cannot be sacrificed for administrative convenience or questionable decisions. Ignoring university rules and established academic norms does not only damage institutions — it directly affects students and their future.
Leader Writer – Sh. Ajit