Morung Express News
Kohima | September 15
Braving the continuous downpour, the RMSA teachers continued with its sit-protest outside the Nagaland Civil Secretariat on September 15. The atmosphere turned a little tense with transfer and repatriation order of six RMSA teachers.
Amidst the on-going protest, the government has issued ‘repatriation order and transfer order’ for three ToTs and three Graduate Teachers on September 10 and 11 respectively, which the association has described as “a form of threat.”
In response to these orders, the Association has written to the State Mission Director, NEMS Samagra Shiksha for revocation of the ‘repatriation order and transfer order’ expressing shock, disappointment and bewilderment amidst the ‘democratic and peaceful protest.’
Questioning the government and department’s intention, the Association stated ‘this is nothing but to create fear psychosis and panic in the minds of the teachers.’ It alleged the department of playing with the emotions of the teachers as ‘unacceptable and unimaginable.’
‘The association will strongly stand in support of our members being targeted, and no one should become victim because of our association’s fight for justice,’ stated the President, Imlitemjen.
The Association in its response has demanded the department and the government to immediately revoke the repatriation and transfer order of the teachers.
Meanwhile, RMSA spokesperson Renbemo L Patton said the government’s timing of the transfer order, while teachers are exercising their constitutional right to protest, can only be perceived as intimidation tactic.
“We don’t know the intention behind such a move, but at this point of time, it looks like a threat. We have already written to the government to revoke this particular order,” Patton stated.
Highlighting the hardships faced by teachers during the course of the agitation, he shared stories of personal loss. “Some teachers have lost their near and dear ones; a lady teacher has even suffered a miscarriage recently, yet she still came forward to join the agitation. Many are enduring grief and hardships but continue to stand for their rights. This is not just about justice, it is about human dignity,” he said.
On the proposed hunger strike, Patton informed that on the request of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), it has decided to keep it in abeyance for now. “As a sign of respect to NSF, a matured organisation, we are keeping it in abeyance” he stated adding that NSF leaders, have been actively engaging with the government officials on the matter.
No work no pay
Meanwhile the State Mission Director has issued a ‘No Work No Pay’ order on September 12 to all the DEOs and District project Coordinator, District Mission Authority, Samagra Shiksha.
L Jamithung Lotha, SMD as directed for strict monitoring of attendance and duty of teachers engaged under NEMS and implementation of ‘No Work No Pay.’
“If any employee is found to be absent from duty without obtaining prior approval/permission of the concerned head of institution/school, the principle of ‘No Work No Pay; shall be enforced upon the defaulter,” the order stated.
It further directed that monthly salary shall be released based on the report of actual duty performed by the employees and that no salary will be paid to the employee for the day/days of absence.
