‘Backdoor’ still wide open in Nagaland: NSF

Alleges nearly 100 irregular appointments in 17 departments

Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 17

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today asserted that backdoor appointments continue unabated in Nagaland, revealing that nearly 100 irregular appointments have been detected across 17 government departments.

Disclosing this to media persons during a press conference in Kohima, NSF Vice President Mteisuiding Heraang lamented that despite its efforts to end such practices across all departments, “relevant backdoor appointments are still going on.”

“We have identified discrepancies and irregularities in 17 departments,” added NSF Publicity and Information Secretary Pithungo Shitio.
To this end, the NSF informed that it had already submitted a representation to the State Chief Secretary (CS) to look into the  matter and ensure that all these appointees are terminated.

The representation submitted on April 10 gave the CS a one-month deadline to ensure that all defaulting departments submit their respective termination orders to the NSF office, Shitio added.

As per the NSF, the alleged appointees include pay level 3 and above.

The NSF also pointed out that even public sector undertakings were ‘audaciously making’ appointments up to the level of assistant manager.

Accordingly, Shitio informed that the Federation is continuously checking all the departments and will submit another representation and also cautioned other departments against attempting appointment pay level 3 and above on a contract or regular basis.

“This is a straight warning to the rest of the departments. The departments should not invite ugly confrontations from the student community because we are concerned about the upcoming generation,” he asserted.

All vacancies arising from pay level 3 and above should be requisitioned to the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) and Nagaland Public Services Commission (NPSC), he added.

He also reminded that it was through the initiative of the NSF that the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) was established.

Contractual assistant professors issue

The NSF Vice President Heraang termed the alleged absorption of 147 contractual assistant professors as a “blunt step” and said the Federation views the matter with utmost seriousness.

He further noted that the NSF had already submitted a representation to the State Government on April 14 regarding the issue and expressed hope for a positive response.

The Vice President recalled that in an October 2024 meeting with the Higher Education Minister, the NSF had opposed the absorption and urged its rollback. “The minister in charge assured that the matter would be kept in abeyance and would go for further consultation,” he maintained.

However, Heraang expressed surprise that the department had taken the decision to ‘regularise’ 147 contractual assistant professors.

“This is hurting public sentiment and aspirants. As an entity advocating for meritocracy, fairness, and justice, the Federation strongly condemns the government’s decision and urges an immediate rollback of the cabinet’s decision made last year,” he added.

In the course of time, if the State Government remains adamant and the cabinet decision is not reviewed or revoked, the NSF will initiate its own course of action, added Shitio.

Reiterates demand for suspension of IAS officer

At the press conference, the NSF reiterated its demand for the suspension of Reny Wilfred, the IAS officer currently embroiled in an alleged sexual harassment case.

A representation has been summated to Nagaland Director General of Police on April 15 demanding a transparent and fair into the issue as well as immediate and timely conclusion of the investigation, he added. 

On April 15, the NSF also wrote to the CS  demanding the suspension and preventing the IAS officer from holding any office of responsibility to ensure impartiality in the investigation process.

“We are of the opinion that there must be full public disclosure of the status and progress of the investigation,” he said.

Reiterating the temporary suspension until the investigative report is out and justice is delivered accordingly, Kent contended that such administrative measures are basic necessities to uphold public confidence.

He also appealed to the good conscience of all right-thinking citizens to respect the courage of the victims, understand the trauma and other stigmas they have been subjected to, and refrain from “any unsubstantiated speculations.”

“In fact, we must respect the courage with which the victims have come forward through proper channels,” Kent underscored, adding that many cases go unnoticed or unheard “where our female employees are subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace by their superiors.”

“As they have placed their confidence in the rule of law, we must collectively ensure that justice is delivered,” he added.

Students’ assault case

The NSF also called the alleged assault of a student at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School in Kohima unfortunate and informed that it had visited the institution, meeting both the school authorities and the victim's family.

“We are informed that an FIR has been lodged,” said General Secretary Chumben Khuvung, urging neutral law enforcement agencies to investigate the case properly and deliver justice to the victim.

The Federation also urged the school authority to foster a safe and respectful social environment.

The NSF Vice President also urged all schools in Naga-inhabited areas to set up proper committees to address students’ issues.

Claims recruitment manipulation at NU, flays VC’s inaction on assault case

The NSF has once again raised concerns over alleged administrative lapses at Nagaland University (NU), Lumami, including an unresolved physical assault case and questionable recruitment practices.

Referring to the alleged physical assault case involving Professor Sarat Chandra last year, an NSF official said the Federation has sought his termination and met the Vice Chancellor (VC) on February 20 this year to press the demand. 

“The matter is sub judice,” the official said, while condemning what he called the VC’s “inaction” on the issue. The Federation also cautioned via the press conference that the accused professor “should not be seen in the University again.”

On another front, the NSF reiterated its demand for 80% reservation of seats for Nagas of Nagaland at the University, and Shitio informed that the VC had assured its implementation following its earlier representation.

However, the Federation voiced fresh concerns over the University’s recruitment practices, particularly for associate professor positions. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, recruitment exams have been conducted virtually under the current VC,” it alleged, claiming that non-Nagas were being appointed through “manipulated” online processes.

Asserting that it will not allow such practices to continue, the NSF cautioned the University authority against conducting online examinations for faculty recruitment. “If he continues to turn a deaf ear to the demands of the NSF, we will go to any extent to ensure our concerns are addressed,” the NSF official added.