Author Archives: TARIQ ABDULLAH

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PTI

MUMBAI, May 25: Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty surged over 1 per cent on Monday, driven by a sharp correction in crude oil prices and a rally in global markets amid improving sentiment surrounding the US-Iran negotiations.

An appreciating rupee against the US dollar and intense buying in banking and financial stocks also bolstered sentiment, traders said.

The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 1,073.61 points, or 1.42 per cent, to settle at 76,488.96. During the day, it soared 1,143.72 points, or 1.51 per cent, to 76,559.07.

A total of 2,785 stocks advanced, while 1,535 declined and 211 remained unchanged on the BSE.

The 50-share NSE Nifty surged 312.40 points, or 1.32 per cent, to end at 24,031.70.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, tanked 5.52 per cent to USD 97.82 per barrel.

Among sectoral indices, PSU Bank surged 2.96 per cent, Bankex (2.27 per cent), Top 10 Banks (2.19 per cent), Private Banks index (2.07 per cent), Financial Services (2.06 per cent), Telecommunication (1.89 per cent) and Auto (1.76 per cent).

In Asian markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index and Shanghai’s SSE Composite index ended higher. Markets were closed in South Korea and Hong Kong due to holidays.

European markets were trading higher. US markets ended in positive territory on Friday.

(PTI)

NEW DELHI, May 25: Gold prices appreciated by Rs 300 to Rs 1.65 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Monday due to a weak US dollar and optimism over a possible peace agreement between the US and Iran.

According to local marketmen, the yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity increased by Rs 300 to Rs 1,65,200 per 10 grams from Friday’s closing level of Rs 1,64,900 per 10 grams.

Silver prices, however, remained unchanged at Rs 2,71,000 per kilogram.

Analysts said gains in bullion prices were driven by easing geopolitical tensions, softer Treasury yields and a weaker dollar, although appreciation in the rupee capped further upside in domestic gold prices.

In the international markets, spot gold climbed USD 60.69 to USD 4,570.07 per ounce, while silver rallied more than 3 per cent to USD 78.18 per ounce.

By Rudi V Warjri

I was a member of the three-member committee which was specified to search for a VC for NEHU sometime in 2020 – 2021. A panel of five names was recommended to the Ministry of Education. The Ministry in its own wisdom zeroed in on the current VC, Prof P S Shukla. I feel compelled to write here what the concerned authorities should do before finalizing on the next VC.

The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India has issued an advertisement inviting applications for appointment of Vice-Chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University. It also stated that the Vice-Chancellor, being the academic as well as administrative head, is expected to be:

• A person possessing the highest level of competence, integrity, morals and institutional commitment.

• A distinguished academician, with a minimum of 10 years’ experience as Professor in a University or 10 years’ experience in reputed research and/or academic administrative organization with proof of having demonstrated academic leadership.

• Preferably not more than 65 years of age as on the closing date of receipt of applications of this advertisement.

• Appointment will be made from a panel of names recommended by a committee constituted under the provisions of the Act of the University. It also mentioned the salary and service conditions.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) had also issued more elaborate guidelines on the Roles and Responsibilities of the Vice-Chancellor. It states that the Vice-Chancellor should:

(a) Provide inspirational and motivational value-based academic and executive leadership to the university through policy formation, operational management, optimization of human resources and concern for environment and sustainability;

(b) Conduct himself/herself with transparency, fairness, honesty, highest degree of ethics and decision making that is in the best interest of the university;

(c) Act as steward of the university’s assets in managing the resources responsibility, optimally, effectively and efficiently for providing a conducive working and learning environment;

(d) Promote the collaborative, shared and consultative work culture in the university, paving way for innovative thinking and ideas;

(e) Endeavour to promote a work culture and ethics that brings about quality, professionalism, satisfaction and service to the nation and society.

(f) Refrain from allowing considerations of caste, creed, religion, race, gender or sex in their professional endeavour.

Prof Shukla has been absent from his duty as VC at NEHU Campus for one and a half years. He discharged his duties from the NEHU Guest House, Guwahati and was forced to remain absent from the NEHU campus because all the apex bodies of the teachers, students, staff etc., were against his continuance. The reasons were primarily because of his failure to fulfil the role and responsibilities of a VC. He was practically declared persona non grata in the University. Technically, however, Prof Shukla’s appointment as VC ends in July 2026.

This issue was raised in Parliament by the two MPs from Meghalaya, (Late) Dr Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon and Saleng A Sangma. While Syngkon sought his immediate sacking, branding him of incompetence and for administrative failure, unethical appointments, neglect of infrastructure, plunging NIRF rankings, and remote interference even while functioning from out of station while drawing full salary, Saleng A Sangma said, “there is really a deep denial of the central fact that there is reluctance by the Government of India to replace Shukla by projecting a false vision and future.”

Prof Shukla’s tenure was marked by several controversies and accusations of nepotism, anti-tribal practices, and mis-management. NEHU suffered administrative decline and its National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) fell from 59 in 2021 to 136 in 2024. The worst decision was to hastily implement the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 without sufficient consultation with stakeholders. Faculty members of NEHU have written about the University’s failure to capture the national imagination despite being in existence for fifty years.Dwelling further on Prof Shukla’s non-performance as a VC now, would be an exercise in futility. However, it’s important to learn some hard lessons from the sordid episode arising out his failure that has caused immense affliction to NEHU as an institution and which has impacted the lives and education of students and the morale of teachers and staff.

The objective now should be to turn the crisis in NEHU into an opportunity. That can only happen if there is an honest introspection by the Ministry of Education in Delhi about the reasons that has brought NEHU to its present predicament. It should ensure that (a) the next VC possesses besides academic qualifications also the character befitting a VC as elaborated in the UGC guidelines and abide strictly by the guidelines both in letter and spirit and not reduce the guidelines to a farce. (b) The Ministry should judiciously examine the accusations regarding the present VC of being anti tribal. This is particularly critical because NEHU is predominantly an institution based in a tribal area. Hence empathy towards tribals means a job half done for the next VC. c) It should avoid any tendencies to be influenced by or by any kind of nepotism and favouritism in the choice of the VC. Any such imposition means ruining the institution further. d) The ability to comprehend and have insights into the ecosystem in the State and the region especially the diverse and complex sense of identity based on ethnicity, language, faith, culture and other customary practices is paramount.The National Policy on Education 1986 had highlighted Access (Availability) and Equity (Fairness) of Education. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 had rightly stepped up further by emphasizing on Access to Quality Education. The National Education Policy (2020) has also sought to foster critical thinking and problem solving, along with social, ethical and emotional capacities and dispositions.

Nationally, a recent comparative study of school education systems by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)across eight countries highlights India’s “significant under-investment” in education. The report shows that India’s education spending has stagnated between 2.7% and 2.9% of the GDP over the past six years, with no growth, and calls for raising this allocation to 6% of GDP to meet global standards. It provides a detailed analysis of the education systems in these eight countries, spanning both developed and emerging economies. There are just eight Indian universities in the Top 500 in the QS World University Rankings. Enabling this will require an encouraging ecosystem, with greater funding, autonomy, the spirit of tolerance within universities and activities by students/faculty. This has also to be taken into account in the choice of the next VC for NEHU.It is germane to stress that NEHU is located in Shillong which is the hub of education in the entire North East. The strategic criticality of this region is well known. Its connectivity via a 22 Km chicken neck with the mainland mass of India with the rest surrounded by foreign countries needs due acknowledgement. There’s a substantial presence of students from the entire region in NEHU and even foreign students from neighbouring countries. The professionalism and eclectic personality of the VC is crucial in influencing and shaping the thinking of the students that would be in the national interest.

The State Government of Meghalaya also has to play its role given that NEHU is situated in Meghalaya and the majority of the students are from Meghalaya. The future of students from Meghalaya is a matter of critical stake and responsibility for the Government of Meghalaya.

Only then will NEHU be able to live up to its motto of “Rise up and build.” To begin with NEHU should grow among the comity of leading academic institutions in India. Philosophically and poetically, NEHU should be allowed to blossom into an institution that Tagore envisaged, “Where the mind is without fear/And the head is held high.”

ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT

Director (Finance), Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited

“LumJingshai”, Short Round Road, Shillong-793001

Phone No.0364-2590610-Ext-103 & Fax No. 0364-2591344

TENDER NOTICE

Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited invites e-tender for “Appointment of Consultant for assisting MeECL and its subsidiaries in providing Regulatory and Commercial services”. The interested participant may visit the website www.meecl.nic.in / https://meghalayatenders.gov.in/nicgep/ app for detailed advertisement, Terms and conditions including eligibility criteria etc. in this regard.

Pre Bid Meeting 1st June, 2026@12:00 Hours

Last Date of Bid Submission 11th June, 2026@12:00 Hours

Date of Bid Opening 11th June, 2026@15:00 Hours

MIPR No. 588 Dt. 25.05.2026

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH SERVICES(MI) MEGHALAYA, SHILLONG.

Director of Health Services (MI)

Meghalaya, Shillong.

No. HSM/AYUSH/CONTRACTUAL/25 Dated Shillong, the

In pursuance to Government letter No.Health 284/2020/P/26,dt:06/11/2024 the successful candidates, recommended by the respective District Selection Committee, DM&HO office, to the post of Medical Officers (AYUSH) are as follows:

SL. NO NAME OF MEDICAL OFFICER AND STREAM DISTRICT

1. Dr Stephanson Chadap (Ayurveda) West Garo Hills

You are directed to collect your appointment order from the office of the Director of Health Services (MI) Meghalaya, Shillong, and to report to the District Medical & Health Officer of the concerned District within 15 (fifteen) days for the date of issue of the appointment letter.

MIPR No. 581 Dt. 22.05.2026

TENDER NOTICE

Director (Finance), Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited

“ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT”

“LumJingshai”, Short Round Road, Shillong-793001

Phone No.0364-2590610-Ext-103 & Fax No. 0364-2591344

Ka Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited ka khot ia ka e-tender na ka bynta “Ka jingthung ia u Consultant na ka bynta ban iarap ia ka MeECL bad ki tnad treikam jong ka ban ai ia ki jingshakri ha ka liang ka Regulatory bad Commercial”. Kino kino kiba kwah ban iashim bynta ki lah ban leit sha ka website www.meecl.nic.in/ https://meghalayatenders.gov.in/ nicgep/app ban ioh ia ka jingtip bakham bniah, kynthup ia ki kyndon ban ioh ia ka jingiashim bynta bad kiwei kiwei ha kaba iadei bad kane.

Pre Bid Meeting 1st June, 2026@12:00 Hours

Last Date of Bid Submission 11th June, 2026@12:00 Hours

Date of Bid Opening 11th June, 2026@15:00 Hours

For Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited

Director (Finance)

Teachers required for Bio-Chemistry, O. Theatre, Nursing, X-Ray. (Full / part time) Contact: 93781-85056, 9089341899 (M) Address: Advanced Institute of Allied & Health Education, Shillong-1, Meghalaya.

Applications are invited from eligible candidates to teach classes XI and XII at Seven Set Annexe Higher Secondary School- in the following subjects:- Physics, Economics, English and Khasi.

Manager, Asst Manager, Chef cook helper, waiter, Receptionist, room service & laundry. Whatsapp your CV 7085251355. Last date of submission 01/06/26

Wanted English teacher for Kindergarten at Huto KG School, Nirjuli-I Papum Pare District, Arunachal Pradesh (preferably female) Graduate/ Post Graduate in English with expertise in Phonics (sound, decoding & blending) We offer a supportive environment along with accommodation with salary upto 15,000/- Contact 9366561782 Kindly mail your CV at [email protected]

Souvik, IDES, Chief Executive Officer, Shillong Cantonment

Online bids through GeM portal are hereby invited from interested individuals/Contractors (registered in GeM) for auction of cleanliness & collection of usage fees from users of Public Toilet/ Group Latrine of Shillong Cantonment Board on license basis for a period of 1 year, as per details appended below:-

Location:

1. Public Toilet (04 cubicals) behind Holding No. 45 CB, Shillong Cantonment and Public Group Latrine (04 cubicals) behind Cantonment Board Godown No. 3 & 4

GeM Auction ID for: 34771

Technical Bid:

Pre-qualification (PQ) submission of Document Start Date & Time

Start Date : 26.05.2026

Start Time : 10:00 AM

Pre-qualification (PQ) submission of Document End Date & Time

End Date : 01.06.2026

End Time : 10:00 AM

Pre-qualification (PQ) Assessment of Document End Date & Time

End Date : 03.06.2026

End Time : 14:00 PM

EMD Start Date & Time and End Date & Time (Rs. 5000/-)

Start Date: 03.06.2026

Start Time: 14:30 PM

End Date: 08.06.2026

End Time: 14:30 PM

Financial Bid:

Auction Start Date & Time

Start Date : 08.06.2026

Start Time : 15:00 PM

Auction End Date & Time

End Date : 10.06.2026

End Time : 15:00 PM

Reserve Bid Price

Rs. 1,47,456.00

Bidders can download the Auction Notice tender document from Shillong Cantonment Board website – https://shillong.cantt.gov.in/. Interested Bidders/ Tenderers are required to make online payment regarding EMD and submit the details of the EMD online payment on or before the scheduled date and time. For payment & generation of online receipt for EMD, the interested parties are to follow the steps mentioned in Appendix-I of Auction Notice tender document for making the online payment.

I, Shri Ruminda Amsih, son of Shri Khana Kholar and Smti Hun Amsih, hereby declare that now I intend to change my surname from Mynsong to Amsih vide an affidavit sworn before Notary Public dated 13th May, 2026 at Nongpoh. Henceforth I shall be known as Ruminda Amsih for all intents and purposes.