Shillong MP Ricky A.J. Syngkon has called for urgent intervention from the Centre to address the ongoing academic and administrative crisis at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Shillong. During a meeting on Tuesday with Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh, Syngkon emphasized the need to promptly fill the vacant positions of a full-time director, as well as sanctioned administrative roles and regular faculty members across various disciplines to ensure the institute’s full functionality.
Syngkon pointed out that the lack of stable leadership has hindered effective decision-making in both administrative and academic spheres, severely restricting the institution’s ability to plan for the long term and foster institutional development. “An institute of national importance such as NIFT requires consistent leadership to maintain academic standards and administrative efficiency. Prolonged dependence on interim arrangements is neither desirable nor sustainable,” he stated.
Furthermore, Syngkon highlighted chronic understaffing and ongoing faculty vacancies as indicative of systemic issues that negatively impact both governance and academic delivery at NIFT Shillong. Referring to an academic vacancy report from the previous year, he noted a critical shortage of regular faculty members, which has led the institute to increasingly depend on contractual or visiting faculty. This reliance has a direct effect on the quality of instruction, engagement between faculty and students, mentoring, and the continuity of academic programs, thus undermining the overall academic environment.
“These issues are inter-connected, and their cumulative impact is detrimental to the interests of students, faculty, and the institution as a whole,” he explained. Syngkon asserted that enhancing the institutional capacity of NIFT Shillong is crucial for meeting the standards expected from a national institute and for effectively fulfilling its mission, particularly in the northeastern region.
Established in 2008, NIFT Shillong, located at Umsawli, is part of the prestigious NIFT network and serves as a creative hub for the Northeast, blending professional fashion education with local craft and textile traditions.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/meghalaya/meghalaya-shillong-mp-a-j-syngkon-presses-centre-to-fill-key-posts-at-nift-shillong/40811/
Category: Meghalaya,National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT),Shillong MP Dr A.J. Syngkon
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Publish Date: 2026-02-04 11:36:00
