Vice-Chancellor of National Law University Meghalaya (NLU M) Prof Indrajit Dube is facing scrutiny over allegations of administrative irregularities and financial mismanagement..The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) filed a Right to Information (RTI) application enquiring about the financial regulations, budgets, remuneration details of faculty members and the travel expenditure incurred by Prof Dube..The RTI also sought information on the process of appointment of faculty and administrative members and whether the Meghalaya State Reservation Policy is being followed at the University..Irregular appointments.The KSU has accused NLU Meghalaya of lack of transparency and favouritism in the hiring of a Deputy Registrar and faculty recruitment.Earlier this year, NLU Meghalaya did not declare the results of a final interview and appointment of a Deputy Registrar, in a departure from the process of advertisement and notices for its previous interview rounds. Additionally, the position, which was originally meant to be permanent, was suddenly changed to a contractual role. This change happened after concerns were raised regarding the selection of a non-domiciled candidate for a permanent job, which would normally follow Meghalaya's reservation policy..Extravagant expenditure.The KSU, on the basis of the RTI, stated that Prof Dube has spent ₹15,10,347 on flight tickets, accommodation, food and personal visits from 2023-25. The KSU specifically points to the receipts attached in the RTI and alleges, "Prof. Indrajit Dube spends lavishly on fooding at fancy restaurants, coffee from ‘Starbucks’, etc., and all the bills are to be paid by the State Government.".The KSU has also condemned the expenditure of ₹3,56,750 on alcoholic beverages for a 'Climate Investment Coalition for the Global South' event conducted by NLU M in Delhi on February 20, 2025..An office order dated June 7, 2024 was issued to ensure financial discipline, transparency, accountability, ensuring that public funds are spent on legitimate public expenses. As per the order, the Vice-Chancellor can approve expenditures between ₹5,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 with a higher limit of ₹20,00,000 in emergencies. The order does not specify a timeframe for these expenses..What has been done for the Student Body?.As per the RTI response, NLU M has received ₹37.5 crore as grant-in-aid funds from the Government of Meghalaya. Additionally, NLU M has ₹9.02 crore from fees collected from the undergraduate, post-graduate and other fees for financial years 2022-2024..KSU has also alleged that NLU M lacks teaching faculty for various subjects and that no effort has been made for faculty recruitments. They also state that the Vice-Chancellor has instead spent funds on procuring electronic gadgets, which is not significant to the student community..Way forward.The KSU recently met with Meghalaya Cabinet Minister for Law, Ampareen Lyngdoh, who has promised an investigation into the issue. The students were assured that the findings would be submitted to the Governing Council and the Executive Committee.When asked whether the matter has been taken up with the University Grants Commission (UGC), KSU Assistant General Secretary Reuben Najiar said, "As of now, we are concentrating on state level as the issue can be resolved within the State itself.".Upon being asked on KSU's way forward if there is no change, "That will be the last resort (protesting), we always believe in dialogue and communications. So, we have submitted our complaints to the appropriate authorities, and we'll see what actions are being taken by them.".Bar & Bench did not receive any comment from the NLU M Vice-Chancellor or administration at the time of publishing this story.
