Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd) on Tuesday, 7 July expressed serious concern over the ongoing turmoil at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), located at Nirjuli near Itanagar, and called for sustained, coordinated efforts to restore stability and strengthen the premier technical institution.

The NERIST Crisis: What Triggered It

NERIST has been in the grip of institutional turbulence for several weeks, following controversies over administrative and recruitment matters. The situation escalated to a point where Director Prof. Narendranath S submitted his resignation amid an ongoing dispute involving recruitment-related issues and disciplinary actions against certain officials.

The director's exit triggered protests on campus and raised broader questions about institutional governance and academic autonomy. Multiple quarters have since called for the restoration of a peaceful academic environment and the uninterrupted continuation of academic activities at the institute.

Governor's Meetings and Key Discussions

In a series of high-level consultations, Governor Parnaik held detailed discussions with State Home Minister Mama Natung on the law and order situation in Arunachal Pradesh, with particular focus on developments at NERIST. Separately, Education Minister P.D. Sona, accompanied by Commissioner (Education) Amjad Tak, called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan to discuss the institute's challenges at length.

The Governor reviewed the overall educational landscape in the state during these meetings and held focused discussions on strengthening institutions of higher learning, including the Jarbom Gamlin Government Law College at Jote in Papum Pare district.

Law College and Higher Education in Focus

Governor Parnaik stressed the urgent need for timely corrective measures and accelerated infrastructure development at the Jarbom Gamlin Government Law College. As the only government law college in Arunachal Pradesh, he said, the institution carries a special responsibility and must evolve into a model centre of legal education.

He expressed confidence that a strong, well-resourced law college would produce competent legal professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to the state's judicial system, governance, and rule of law. Education Minister Sona assured the Governor that corrective steps are already being initiated by the department.

CUET Centres and Teacher Transfer Reforms

The Governor also advised the Education Department to explore establishing Common University Entrance Test (CUET) examination centres within Arunachal Pradesh, a move that would offer students greater convenience and more equitable access to higher education opportunities without having to travel outside the state.

Notably, the Governor commended the Education Minister for implementing a rationalised teacher transfer system through the Teachers' Registry Portal. He said the initiative would enhance transparency, accountability, and equitable deployment of teachers across the state — ultimately improving learning outcomes and contributing to a stronger education system overall.

What Comes Next

With the Education Department signalling a reform-oriented approach and the Governor personally engaging with both political and administrative stakeholders, the focus now shifts to whether concrete structural changes at NERIST — including filling leadership vacancies and resolving recruitment disputes — can be executed swiftly enough to prevent further disruption to the academic calendar.