Dimapur, September 5 (MExN): The All Nagaland College Students' Union (ANCSU) has appealed to the Minister of Higher Education and Tourism, Government of Nagaland, for an urgent review of the recent reassignment of the Director of Higher Education. The union expressed concerns over the decision to reassign the director as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD), which coincided with the nationwide Teacher's Day celebrations, describing it as a move that could undermine the morale of both students and faculty.
In a formal letter addressed to the minister, ANCSU highlighted that the reassignment of the director appeared to contravene the Nagaland Higher Education Service Rules of 2015. They emphasized the importance of appointing a qualified academic leader, adhering to University Grants Commission (UGC) norms, and expressed dissatisfaction over the appointment of an NCS cadre officer to this critical role.
"The recent decision threatens to compromise the integrity of the Higher Education Department and the future of thousands of students across the state," the letter stated. ANCSU further underlined the significance of this issue as Nagaland is currently in the process of implementing the New Education Policy 2020, which requires experienced leadership with academic credentials.
The union urged the state government not to treat the position of Director of Higher Education as a political appointment but to appoint a candidate who meets the UGC's academic and professional criteria.
ANCSU expressed confidence that the government would reconsider its decision in the interest of preserving the quality of higher education in Nagaland.
