Kohima, March 6 (MExN): The Jotsoma Youth Organisation (JYO) has threatened to shut down Kohima Science College (Autonomous), Jotsoma, from March 7 in protest against the appointment of a bus conductor, which it claims violates an agreed understanding between the Department of Higher Education and the Jotsoma Village Council.
In a letter addressed to the Principal Director of the Department of Higher Education, the JYO expressed its strong opposition to the appointment, asserting that the selection disregarded the convention of appointing Grade-IV staff from among the landowners, a practice the village has upheld for years.
Despite submitting a representation on January 3, 2025, and waiting over two months, the JYO stated that no tangible action had been taken by the Department to address their concerns.
The JYO highlighted that Jotsoma Village had donated 50 acres of prime land along with 150 acres at nominal compensation in the 1960s to establish the college, with the understanding that local landowners would be given preference for Grade-IV posts.
This assurance, it noted, had been repeatedly conveyed during discussions with government authorities and a High-Powered Committee formed for the college's welfare.
According to the JYO, the Village Council has maintained a roster for recommending capable candidates for Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) positions in various departments within its jurisdiction. It alleged that while some long-serving adhoc appointees at Kohima Science College have been denied regularisation due to unverified documents, the recent appointment of the bus conductor, who was on fixed pay since 2018, was made without following the same verification process.
Questioning the use of “different yardsticks” for different individuals, the JYO reiterated its demand for the immediate cancellation of the appointment. It warned that failure to address the issue would compel them to close the college from March 7.
“The JYO shall close the college with effect from 7th March, 2025, if the Department fails to cancel the appointment,” the organisation stated.
The JYO further underscored that the Village Council remains committed to ensuring that any candidate appointed through its recommendation performs their duties sincerely, as a matter of both community and departmental interest.
Update:
This report has been updated to clarify that the JYO's letter was addressed to the Principal Director of the Department of Higher Education.
