WOKHA/PEREN, SEPTEMBER 3 (MExN): Two student bodies in Nagaland on Wednesday criticised the state government over its alleged failure to implement court orders on the pay scales of RMSA teachers and expressed solidarity with the agitating educators.
The Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) said it was “deeply disappointed” with the government for not enforcing judicial directives regarding the RMSA Teachers’ Association batch of 2016.
Citing a Gauhati High Court order dated March 16, 2022, the LSU said the batch had been unequivocally declared entitled to similar pay scales as their counterparts performing the same work and receiving regular pay.
The directive was further reinforced by a Supreme Court order on May 20, 2025, leaving “no room for ambiguity or delay,” it said in a release.
The union urged the government to uphold the sanctity of the court’s orders and implement them without further delay. It also sought prompt disbursement of pending salaries and arrears, warning that prolonged denial of rights would have far-reaching consequences for students.
The Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland (ZSUN) also extended support to the RMSA teachers, who have been on a “pen down strike” since August 26 over the issue.
It said the government’s “recalcitrance” in enforcing the judgment amounted to “flagrant disregard for the rule of law” and “contempt of court.”
Referring to the High Court ruling, which was later upheld by the Supreme Court, the ZSUN quoted the judgment stating: “The court holds that the petitioners are entitled for scales of pay at pay band of Rs 9,300-34,800 with grade pay of Rs 4,200 per month. Accordingly, it is directed the State respondents to grant such scales of pay to the petitioners forthwith.”
The ZSUN said the beneficiaries had shown “remarkable forbearance and restraint” so far but cautioned that continued denial of justice threatened not only the livelihoods of teachers but also the integrity of the government and the quality of education in high schools across the state.
It urged the government to uphold the dignity of the court and ensure justice for the teachers, thereby safeguarding the educational rights of students and fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence.
