AMSU alleges administrative irregularities, vested interests undermining Manipur University

The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) has accused the authorities of Manipur University of pursuing decisions influenced by vested interests, alleging that a series of administrative actions are undermining the institution’s governance and academic integrity.
In a statement issued by its Secretary General, Salam Changkhonba, AMSU claimed that the state’s premier university has increasingly become embroiled in controversies arising from administrative irregularities, legal disputes and alleged disregard for statutory provisions. The student body warned that unless corrective measures are taken, the institution could face further deterioration.
Referring to the ongoing legal dispute concerning the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor (In-charge), AMSU alleged that the matter reaching the High Court reflects attempts by certain authorities to bypass or supersede provisions of the Manipur University Act. The union contended that the growing number of university-related cases reaching the High Court and even the Supreme Court demonstrates deeper governance issues within the institution.
According to AMSU, repeated litigation involving the university points to a lack of transparency, accountability and integrity among sections of the administration and stakeholders. The union further alleged that nepotism, corruption and administrative malpractice have adversely affected the functioning of the university and contributed to a decline in its reputation.
Questioning the role of the university administration, AMSU asked whether the Registrar had disclosed to the public the number of cases related to alleged administrative malpractice currently pending before the courts. The organisation also raised concerns about Manipur University’s standing in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), arguing that continued controversies have affected the institution’s academic image.
A major concern highlighted by AMSU relates to developments in the Department of Teacher Education and the School of Education. The union questioned the appointment of Prof. Premlata Maisnam, who currently serves as Dean of Education and also holds charge as Head of the Department of Teacher Education. It alleged that certain decisions concerning the department may have been influenced by pressure from individuals pursuing personal interests.
The student body also referred to objections earlier raised by the Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU) regarding the administration of the School of Education.
AMSU specifically questioned the creation of a Director’s post in connection with the proposed introduction of the four-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) for the 2026-27 academic session. Referring to an office order issued by the Registrar on May 4, 2026, the union alleged that the newly created post was established without adequate justification and is not provided for under the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) Regulations, including the NCTE (Recognition, Norms and Procedure) Amendment Regulations, 2021.
The union sought clarification from both the Registrar and the Vice-Chancellor regarding the basis for creating the position and questioned whether the decision was consistent with existing regulatory provisions.
AMSU further expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of a response to an application it submitted to the university authorities on May 14, 2026. The delay, it said, has raised concerns about the administration’s intentions and accountability.
Warning against what it described as increasing politicisation within the university, AMSU alleged that some faculty members are attempting to secure administrative positions through political influence. Such developments, it said, could create divisions among teachers, affect students and weaken the academic atmosphere on campus.
The union urged the university authorities to avoid decisions that could generate further controversy and called for greater transparency in administrative functioning. Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the interests of students and preserving the integrity of the institution, AMSU said it would continue to closely monitor developments at Manipur University and take necessary steps to safeguard its academic reputation.