The non-teaching staff at Mizoram University (MZU) took to the campus on Thursday in a significant demonstration, raising serious allegations of procedural misconduct in a recent high-level recruitment. The Mizo University Non-Teaching Staff Association (MUNTSA) organized the protest, accusing the university administration of grossly violating statutory rules during the hiring process for the crucial post of Finance Officer.
Allegations of Secret Appointments and Flouted Procedures
Protesters, holding placards with clear demands, called for the immediate revocation of the appointment offer made to N Albert Khizo. The core of their grievance stems from what they describe as a deeply flawed and opaque selection process. MUNTSA has pressed for an independent and impartial inquiry to investigate the entire episode.
According to a detailed press release from the association, the controversy has its roots in an interview held on June 16, 2025. After receiving multiple complaints from candidates about potential irregularities, MUNTSA initiated its own internal probe. The association claims its investigation confirmed several violations of the university's established rules and regulations.
A Timeline of Controversial Decisions
Following its findings, MUNTSA submitted a formal representation to the Vice-Chancellor, urging the complete cancellation of the ongoing recruitment and the issuance of a fresh advertisement to ensure fairness. The matter was subsequently brought before the university's 68th Executive Council (EC) meeting on July 14, 2025.
In a critical decision, the EC resolved that the sealed minutes of the selection committee should remain unopened. It was further decided that the sensitive issue should be referred to the Ministry of Education for a final ruling and guidance. However, MUNTSA alleges that the Vice-Chancellor took unilateral action before the ministry's response.
Unilateral Actions Spark Outrage
The association claims that while the university was still awaiting written instructions from the central ministry, the Vice-Chancellor convened a special EC meeting on September 10, 2025. It was during this meeting, the staff body alleges, that the VC ordered the opening of the sealed envelope containing the selection committee's minutes, contravening the earlier EC resolution.
The situation escalated further in December 2025. MUNTSA alleges that an offer of appointment was "secretly and directly" issued to N Albert Khizo. This was done, they claim, without any public declaration of the interview results and without circulating the minutes of the contentious special EC meeting to its members. The association states that the Vice-Chancellor himself confirmed these actions on Monday, just days before the protest.
The demonstration underscores a significant rift between the university administration and its non-teaching staff, centering on transparency, adherence to due process, and the principles of fair recruitment in public institutions.
