ANCSU rejects Nagaland Government’s response

Terms the Chief Secretary’s letter as very vague and eye washing, students’ body firm it will continue with own course of action till justice is delivered  

DIMAPUR, MARCH 9 (MExN): All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has out rightly rejected the March 7 letter issued by the Nagaland State government through the Chief Secretary in response to the ultimatum issued against irregularity in the functioning of the Department of Higher & Technical Education.  

In a reply to the State Government’s response, ANCSU reiterated its earlier demand based on their earlier ultimatum while expressing disappointment that the “letter was very vague and eye washing the entire issue where our genuine grievances were not attended.”  

The State government had maintained in its response that the “Vigilance Commission in its investigation report, had not pointed out any specific wrong doing on the part of any particular official in connection with the conduct of AIPMT and NSPMT 2014 and other connected issues in the management of technical education department, nor has it recommended punitive action against any specific officer.”  

It also said the demand for amalgamation of the technical education department and higher education would be examined and studied in depth by the government and “appropriate decision taken in public interest, and without any prejudice to anyone.”  

The State government also maintained that it is the existing policy to allow only indigenous tribes of Nagaland to appear for entrance test for technical and allied courses under the State reserved quota, which it said will be implemented more strictly and more effectively with effect from the next entrance test.  

The ANCSU responded that based on the finding of the Vigilance Commission report, the whole imbroglio which dragged for more than 2 years was created by the concerned responsible officer/official.  

It therefore reiterated its demand for punitive action instead of conveying regret and tendering an apology.  

On the issue of amalgamation, the college students’ union said the “government need not have any prejudicial apprehension in the interest of student welfare in particular and public interest at large since it (the amalgamation) is quite viable for Nagaland at large.” On the issue of entrance test meant specifically for indigenous tribes, ANCSU said it was beyond their understanding why, despite an existing policy, “every year and then, the non-indigenous tribes of Nagaland get a berth in the state reserved quota.”   In light of the above reasons, ANCSU asserted that it reaffirm its stance to seek justice in the interest of students’ welfare and continue with own course of action till justice is delivered.