Meghalaya MP Ricky A J Syngkon has written to the Centre, urging it to appoint a full-time director at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Shillong, flagging concerns over the institute’s administrative and academic functioning.
In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Textiles, Syngkon referred to NIFT Shillong’s quarterly report for the October–December 2025 period, which shows that the institute is currently operating without a regular director. He said the lack of permanent leadership has affected continuity in both administrative and academic decision-making.
According to the MP, the absence of stable leadership has weakened oversight and restricted the institute’s ability to plan for long-term growth and institutional development.
Syngkon also pointed out that several sanctioned administrative posts remain vacant, resulting in chronic understaffing. This, he said, has increased the workload on existing staff and led to delays in routine administrative work, academic coordination and student support services.
He further highlighted that many sanctioned teaching posts are yet to be filled, forcing the institute to rely heavily on contractual and visiting faculty. This, Syngkon warned, could impact the quality of teaching, faculty–student interaction, mentoring and the continuity of academic programmes.
Calling for urgent action, the MP urged the Centre to appoint a regular director at NIFT Shillong and ensure that all sanctioned administrative and academic posts are filled within a fixed timeframe to strengthen the institute’s overall functioning and academic standards.