Mokokchung, April 13 (MExN): The Fazl Ali College Students' Union (FACSU) has condemned what it described as the "unjust mischaracterization" of long-serving contractual teachers as “backdoor appointees,” expressing “deep shock and displeasure” over the controversy surrounding their absorption into regular service.
“For years, higher education institutions across Nagaland have suffered due to chronic faculty shortages caused by delays in the recruitment process,” the union said in a statement. “In these challenging circumstances, it was the so-called 'contractual' teachers who rose to the occasion, delivering quality education and shaping the lives of thousands of students.”
FACSU noted that many of these teachers have been in service for more than a decade, “upholding high standards of teaching” and meeting University Grants Commission (UGC) qualifications. It welcomed the state’s move to regularize these teachers, stating the decision had “overwhelming support from the student community at Fazl Ali College.”
However, the union raised concerns over “the circulation of misinformation by certain non-primary groups,” claiming it had sparked unnecessary unrest among students and undermined the contributions of the teachers. “Their demands not only dismiss the invaluable contributions of contractual teachers but also pose a threat to the future of higher education in Nagaland,” the statement read.
As Nagaland’s colleges begin implementing the New Education Policy (NEP) and rolling out postgraduate courses, FACSU emphasized the need for experienced educators. “At a time when the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP) and the introduction of postgraduate courses necessitate the expertise of experienced educators, the undermining of such teachers is regressive and unacceptable,” it said.
While reaffirming its support for the absorption process, the Union also urged the state to create more posts of Assistant Professors. “The FACSU strongly feels that more posts of Assistant professors should be created which will benefit the students and hopefully create more opportunities for the aspirants as well.”
FACSU warned that undermining the process of absorbing qualified teachers would “risk derailing academic progress and jeopardizing the future of tens of thousands of students across the state.” It asserted that “students of Fazl Ali College will not tolerate actions that compromise their academic welfare.”
