Darjeeling Hills University seeks progress on statutes and new academic courses

Amitava Banerjee, MP, August 20, 2026, Darjeeling: Darjeeling Hills University (DHU) has stepped up efforts to strengthen its institutional and academic foundations, with faculty and non-teaching representatives seeking the intervention of elected representatives and government authorities to expedite the university’s First Statutes and facilitate the introduction of new academic programmes.

A delegation of the university recently met Darjeeling MLA Noman Rai and apprised him of the delay in formalising the First Statutes, which have remained pending since the university’s inception. The representatives said the absence of the statutory framework had affected aspects of the university’s administrative and academic functioning.

“We also asked the MLA to expedite the process of introduction of undergraduate, diploma and certificate courses as part of the expansion of academic programmes, which are essential for the university’s development and for strengthening higher education infrastructure in the Darjeeling hills,” stated Dr Smriti Rai, Department of Mass Communication, Journalism and Media Studies, while speaking to the Millennium Post.

MLA Noman Rai assured the delegation of his support and said the matter had been receiving priority.

The university has, meanwhile, held a series of meetings with senior government officials and public representatives on issues ranging from statutes and student enrolment to infrastructure and research facilities.

In the recent past, the Vice-Chancellor and officials met Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay to discuss the First Statutes, infrastructure, campus facilities and the proposed launch of undergraduate, diploma and certificate programmes.

In the past, DHU teams have also met Minister of State for Home and Hill Affairs Bishal Lama, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista and the GTA Principal Secretary over these issues.

The university maintains that its academic work, including teaching, research and student support, is continuing despite the institutional challenges.