Allegations of irregularities surface against MU VC Lokendra

The Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) has levelled a series of allegations against Manipur University Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. Lokendra, accusing him of statutory violations, irregular amendments, and manipulation in recruitment processes during his tenure.
Talking to media persons KSA president Sukham Bidyananda said that the controversy dates back to 2014 when Prof. Lokendra, then serving as the Registrar of Manipur University, reportedly initiated an amendment to Statute 19(2) through the Executive Council. The amendment allegedly altered the composition of the Selection Committee for statutory posts such as Registrar and Finance Officer, citing a letter purportedly from the University Grants Commission (UGC). However, KSA claims that the letter in question cannot be traced either in the UGC’s records or within the university, and has demanded an inquiry into the matter.
The student body further alleged that the amendment process was irregular. While the amended Statute was forwarded to the Ministry for Presidential assent in 2013 and assent was reportedly given in 2014, it was gazetted only in March 2018. KSA contends that the amendment was never passed by both Houses of Parliament, as required, and that the changes in the Selection Committee’s composition were designed to favour specific appointments.
KSA also accused Prof. Lokendra of chairing the Selection Committee himself while simultaneously serving as Head of Department, thereby holding two votes in the process. The Dean of Faculty was allegedly excluded from the selection proceedings for key posts such as Registrar and Finance Officer. According to KSA, this amounted to manipulation that resulted in biased recruitment across both teaching and non-teaching categories.
The association further alleged that the Vice-Chancellor maintained a “hidden agenda” in the recruitment process and that the composition of the Committee was tailored to benefit certain individuals. Allegations have also surfaced that during non-teaching recruitment, candidates’ examination papers were not properly coded and roll numbers were mishandled, raising doubts about transparency and fairness.
KSA claims that such actions have severely compromised the administrative integrity of Manipur University and have adversely affected its NAAC accreditation and NIRF ranking. The student body has also pointed to suspected financial irregularities and demanded an independent investigation by a central agency such as the CBI.
Additionally, KSA noted that since Prof. Lokendra’s term as Vice-Chancellor is set to end in the first week of May, the recent issuance of recruitment notifications under his authority violates convention, as outgoing VCs traditionally refrain from making major administrative decisions close to the end b within Manipur University.