DoSE Principal Secretary, ANATG, ACAUT, PSAN hold joint meeting; agitation to continue
Kohima, June 21 (MExN): The DIPR reported today a joint meeting was convened by Principal Secretary, Department of School Education (DoSE), Government of Nagaland, Menukhol John, with ACAUT, President of All Nagaland Adhoc Teachers Group, Nagaland (ANATG) and PSAN members at Secretariat Conference hall here today.
The joint meeting was convened to clear doubts and communication gaps on the interpretation of High Court orders dated 25.07.2017 & 28.07.2017 in respect of W.P (C) NO 145 (K) /2017.
Addressing the meeting, as per the DIPR report, Menukhol John said that the DoSE has made it clear that things are outside the control of the government because of the Court’s interim orders passed on July 25 and 28, 2017.
Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Menukhol John speaking at the joint meeting at Secretariat Conference hall on June 21. (DIPR Photo)
He cited the Cabinet Memo prepared and submitted in October 2017 for regularization of this group of agitating teachers in pursuance of P&AR Office Memorandum No. AR 5/ASSO/ 98 dated August 4, 2008. However, the Court suspended the Office Memorandum and therefore the government is unable to carry forward the regularization of the contract service.
He reiterated that the matter is sub-judice and until the Court gives a different ruling there is nothing the government can do at this juncture. He appealed to all the agitating teachers to stop the ongoing agitation for the sake of schools and children.
ANATG spokesperson Bendang Longchar, however, made it clear that they would not call off the agitation unless the government files counter petition to exempt the adhoc teachers from the purview of the court order.
The ANATG President said that despite hardship and difficulties, the teachers are doing their best in delivering quality education so as to shape and mould the future of students. After hearing the facts from the legal expert and appeals made by the government to stop the ongoing agitation, the DIPR reported him to be saying that he will take the matter to the agitating members and take a decision after consultation.
Meanwhile, according to DIPR, Sr Addl. Advocate General, K Sema stated that the government cannot go beyond the court’s order as it will invite contempt of court. The court process takes time, he said, but the matter is likely to come up next week.
He also said that government has been pressuring to take steps and further added that they are also doing their best to see that some order comes out so as to give relief to the Ad-hoc teachers.
ACAUT, PSAN representatives also shared their views and suggestions during the meeting.
