ITANAGAR, 16 Jun: The All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organisation (AAPYO) on Tuesday alleged large-scale administrative and financial irregularities at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) in Nirjuli, and demanded an independent probe into the functioning of the premier technical institute, besides seeking the reinstatement of its former director.
Addressing a news conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, AAPYO president Kipa Kanam alleged that irregular appointments, recruitment anomalies and financial improprieties had adversely affected the institute’s administration and academic environment over the years.
The organisation said it has submitted representations to Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, urging intervention by both the state and central governments.
In the memorandums, shared with the press later through emails, Kanam claimed that “former registrar Mai Kuru Camdir, who was suspended earlier this year, was appointed as assistant registrar in 2008 despite initially joining the institute as a security officer in 2001”.
He alleged that the appointment was made without advertisement or interview, and questioned subsequent promotions granted to Camdir.
According to the organisation, “Camdir was elevated to deputy registrar in 2011 and later assumed the position of joint registrar in 2023, despite there being no sanctioned vacancy for the post.”
Kanam further alleged procedural irregularities in the issuance of appointment orders and claimed that Camdir was appointed as registrar “within 45 days of assuming office as joint registrar.”
The AAPYO further alleged that “Camdir and another suspended official, Doge Kamduk, exercised undue influence over administrative decisions within the institute.”
It stated that both officials were suspended following an inquiry conducted by Prof Sarat Kumar Patra, director of NIT Agartala.
The organisation alleged that after the suspension, the two officials, along with certain members of the NERIST Faculty Association and external student groups, exerted pressure on the administration, leading to the resignation of then director Prof Narendranath S.
Kanam claimed that Prof Narendranath resigned on 29 May due to an “intolerable work environment” and “constructive dismissal.” The AAPYO demanded his reinstatement and sought a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his resignation.
The youth body also alleged financial irregularities in development projects, claiming that contracts worth several crores of rupees were awarded without following proper tendering procedures. It further alleged irregularities in DPR preparation and claimed that certain schemes were routed through a trading firm allegedly linked to Camdir and his relatives, adversely affecting procurement of laboratory and scientific equipment.
Kanam also raised concerns over the recruitment of nearly 400 employees, alleging favouritism and procedural violations. The organisation demanded scrutiny of all recruitment and appointment processes and legal action against those found responsible.
“NERIST is one of the most valuable assets of Arunachal Pradesh. It caters to students, scholars and researchers from all seven Northeastern states, as well as Sikkim. Such practices should not be allowed to continue in the institution,” Kanam said.
The AAPYO urged authorities to conduct an independent investigation into all allegations relating to recruitment, promotions, procurement and administration, and appealed to stakeholders to work collectively to preserve the institute’s integrity.
