DIMAPUR: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has petitioned the Union Ministry of Education seeking the termination of Dr A. Elayaperumal from his post as Director, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Nagaland, and has urged the ministry to open disciplinary and administrative proceedings into his appointment and functioning.
Allegations and documents cited by the students' body
In a representation addressed to the Secretary, Ministry of Education, NSF office-bearers — including editor & convenor of the education committee Pithungo Shitio and secretary publicity & information and member secretary education committee Temjentoshi — said the federation had taken note of media reports of vigilance proceedings reportedly initiated by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), Tamil Nadu, concerning Dr Elayaperumal.
The federation also referred to an FIR and alleged criminal proceedings in a "ghost faculty" case that reportedly named officials of Anna University and in which Dr Elayaperumal was said to be named. NSF asked the ministry to verify the official status of those proceedings and whether they bear on his appointment or continuation as director of an Institution of National Importance.
Questions on appointment formalities and administrative clearance
NSF asked the ministry to examine whether requisite vigilance clearance and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the director's parent institution, reportedly Anna University, were obtained before his appointment and assumption of charge at NIT Nagaland. The federation sought verification of the relevant appointment and service records.
Student grievances over campus administration
On administrative functioning, the NSF said students had raised concerns about the director’s accessibility and alleged prolonged absence from the institute. The federation requested that the ministry verify official attendance, tour and leave records as well as student grievance logs and overall administrative performance.
NSF also claimed that annual reports for 2024–25 and 2025–26 were reportedly unavailable. It alleged delays in infrastructure projects and inadequate or late communication concerning seminars, scholarships, workshops and other academic opportunities. The federation further stated that the institute’s Board of Governors had not met for the past 10 months.
What the students have asked the Ministry to do
- Initiate disciplinary and administrative proceedings against the director, including termination from post if warranted.
- Verify status of any vigilance or criminal proceedings and whether they affect the director’s appointment.
- Confirm whether proper vigilance clearance and NOC were obtained from the parent institution before appointment.
- Examine records relating to attendance, leave, official tours, student grievances and administrative functioning.
- Review availability of annual reports and the status of the Board of Governors meetings and pending infrastructure projects.
Institutional context and immediate implications
NIT Nagaland is an Institute of National Importance; matters relating to the appointment and conduct of its director fall within the oversight remit of the Ministry of Education. The NSF’s petition, if accepted by the ministry, could prompt an institutional inquiry or administrative review. The federation framed its representation as driven by concerns about governance, transparency and the impact of alleged delays and communication lapses on students’ academic opportunities.
| Issue | NSF request |
|---|---|
| Vigilance/Criminal proceedings | Verify status and relevance to appointment |
| Vigilance clearance/NOC | Confirm whether obtained before appointment |
| Administrative functioning | Examine attendance, leave, grievances, BOG meetings |
| Reports & communication | Ensure annual reports exist; improve student communication |
NSF’s representation cites media reports from November 2025 as prompting part of their concern. The federation requested the Ministry of Education to take prompt and transparent action so that students’ academic interests and institutional governance are safeguarded.
At the time of filing, there was no statement available from the Ministry of Education, NIT Nagaland or Dr Elayaperumal in response to NSF’s petition. The federation has asked for verification of records and appropriate administrative measures where required.
