Students at the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy (NEIAH) in Shillong are on an indefinite hunger strike to protest multiple administrative failings. Their primary grievances include:
- Unpaid Stipends: MD (Homeopathy) students allege that they have not received stipends for over a year despite fulfilling clinical and academic obligations.
- Affiliation Issues: The postgraduate courses have yet to be affiliated with the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), casting doubts on the recognition of their degrees.
- Lack of Guides: The administration has not provided guides for their courses as mandated by the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH).
The protest began on November 26, 2024, after months of unanswered demands. Students from Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) and Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) programs are also holding sit-ins to show solidarity. An online meeting with the AYUSH Secretary failed to resolve the crisis, as the students’ demand for written assurances was rejected. Offers of financial compensation during the discussion were also declined by the students as insufficient and informal.
The absence of a permanent director at the institution since August has further compounded the crisis, with students accusing the administration of negligence. The health of the hunger-striking students has started to deteriorate, yet they remain committed to continuing their protest until their demands are met.
Health and Administrative Concerns
The health of the hunger-striking students has deteriorated significantly, with visible signs of physical strain. Despite this, the administration has failed to provide meaningful solutions. Both the acting director and deputy director are reportedly absent, exacerbating the crisis.
A recent online meeting with the AYUSH Ministry Secretary failed to break the deadlock. While financial compensation was offered, the students rejected it as insufficient and demanded formal, written assurances.
Broader Impact and Calls for Reform
The NEIAH protest highlights deeper issues in the governance of healthcare education institutions. Despite being established as a premier center for Ayurveda and Homoeopathy in the northeastern region, NEIAH has struggled to provide adequate academic infrastructure, leaving its students disillusioned.
The students’ persistence underscores their commitment to securing systemic reforms. Observers fear that if the administration fails to address the crisis promptly, it could lead to prolonged disruption and damage the institution’s reputation
Allegations of Corruption
- Misuse of Funds: Students allege that funds meant for institutional development and student welfare have been misappropriated. There are concerns about the transparency of financial dealings, including unaccounted delays in the utilization of government grants for BAMS & BHMS intern doctors and PG doctors enrolled in various MD Homoeopathy courses.
- Substandard Infrastructure: Despite significant financial allocations, the condition of hostels and clinical facilities remains poor.
- Recruitment and Governance Issues: There are claims of irregularities in faculty recruitment and administrative appointments. The absence of a permanent director since August 2024 has also raised concerns about leadership accountability.
The administration at the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy (NEIAH) has yet to provide an official response to the ongoing hunger strike and the serious allegations raised by students. Despite repeated attempts by the protesting students to engage with the authorities, including demands for a written assurance addressing unpaid stipends, course affiliation, and administrative transparency, no substantive actions have been taken. The absence of key officials, such as a permanent director since August 2024, has further compounded the issue, leaving the institution in a leadership vacuum during this critical crisis
