The controversial ‘regularisation/absorption’ of Assistant Professors in government colleges in Nagaland intensified further with more apex student bodies denouncing the State Government’s action and demanding its revocation. (Representative AI Generated Image)
Dimapur, April 20 (MExN): The controversial ‘regularisation/absorption’ of Assistant Professors in government colleges in Nagaland intensified further with more apex student bodies denouncing the State Government’s action and demanding its revocation.
On Sunday, the Ao Students' Conference (AKM), Angami Students’ Union (ASU), Zeliang Students’ Union Nagaland (ZLSUN), and Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) joined the unequivocal condemnation of the State Government, particularly the Department of Higher Education (DHE).
AKM: The AKM expressed grave concern over the State Government’s inaction despite strong opposition from stakeholders and the student community and noted that if left unchecked, such practices will compromise the future generations’ ability to compete in open exams.
Reaffirming support for the NSF’s stand on “meritocracy, transparency, and justice,” it stated that these values reflect the Naga youth’s collective aspiration for a future free from systemic manipulation and backdoor appointments.
Accordingly, the AKM declared its strong opposition to the regularisation of contractual faculty members through arbitrary means, bypassing the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC), and urged the State Government to revoke the Cabinet’s decision and initiate a fresh, transparent recruitment process through the NPSC.
The apex Ao students’ body further called for inclusive consultation with students, civil society, and educationists to restore public trust and institutional integrity, while demanding policy clarity to prevent a recurrence of such crises.
While acknowledging the years of service rendered by many contractual teachers, the AKM maintained that such service, however commendable, cannot justify permanent appointment without due process, which other aspirants have followed.
It noted that many of these teachers have now crossed the employment age limit—a situation created by the Government’s repeated failure to timely requisition posts to the NPSC—and held the State responsible.
In a “spirit of balanced justice,” the AKM urged the Government not to abruptly terminate the services of contractual employees but to retain them temporarily.
It reiterated its commitment to protecting the sanctity of institutions like the NPSC and NSSB, warning that any attempt to undermine their credibility would be met with strong resistance.
The AKM also extended solidarity to aspirants who continue to stand “firm” for present and future generations.
ASU: Regardless of the differing stands among various entities over the issue, the ASU stated that it remains resolute on “meritocracy and open competition that fosters fairness and justice.”
“The erroneous system in the government has extensively deprived the aspirants, at the same time defacing those teachers who have rendered their valuable services,” it stated.
Thus, the ASU called upon the government of the day to restore the legitimate system without delay, “in order to avoid further jeopardy to society at large.”
It acknowledged the services of contractual teachers over the years but contended that the implausible decision of the State Government to regularise these “services abruptly is uncalled for.”
The ASU demanded immediate rollback of the Absorption Order dated December 18, 2024, and further insisted that the State Government promptly engage with all concerned stakeholders and address the issue on priority, as demanded by the NSF on April 14.
The Union cautioned that it “shall not shy away from confronting any authority if the wellbeing of the students and aspirants is not upheld.”
ZLSUN: The Zeliang Students’ Union Nagaland (ZLSUN) strongly objected to and expressed deep disappointment over the State Government’s April 8, 2025 absorption order, demanding its immediate revocation and the reinstatement of merit-based recruitment.
It criticised the decision as unlawful and a betrayal of thousands of aspiring youths, taken without public notification or providing equal opportunity to qualified candidates.
Condemning the blatant violation of constitutional norms and due process, the ZLSUN said the move reeks of “favouritism and backdoor appointment practices,” undermining academic integrity and merit-based governance.
It sets a dangerous precedent, the Union held, reminding the DHE that public sector employment must be guided by equality, transparency, and accountability—not convenience or political pressure.
It urged the Government to revoke all absorption-related proceedings not routed through the NPSC or constitutional mechanisms and to initiate a fair, open recruitment process.
The ZLSUN further cautioned against the systematic sidelining of educated youth and declared its readiness to launch peaceful democratic protests and pursue legal recourse if the issue is not addressed with urgency and fairness.
CNSA: The CNSA also extended firm solidarity with the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and the Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF) in their demand for immediate revocation of the December 17, 2024 order, reaffirming their joint commitment to a fair and credible recruitment process.
It stated that the order blatantly undermines meritocracy, transparency, and equal opportunity, and insults the aspirations of thousands of qualified candidates preparing for the NPSC Common Educational Services Examination (CESE).
Echoing CTAN and NNQF’s concerns, the CNSA highlighted that the move violates the Office Memorandum dated June 6, 2016, which prohibits contract appointments, and warned that such regularisation sets a dangerous precedent likely to erode public trust in education and governance.
Urging DHE to act, the CNSA called for the immediate rollback of the “unjust” order and the initiation of a transparent, fair, and merit-based recruitment process that ensures justice and equal opportunity for all.
The Association affirmed its unity with CTAN, NNQF, and other like-minded organisations in the collective pursuit of a just and equitable educational system.
