DIMAPUR, APRIL 14 (MExN): The Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) has voiced deep concern over the Nagaland government’s decision to regularize 147 contractual faculty members into permanent Assistant Professor posts in various government colleges, calling for transparent and merit-based recruitment processes in the state’s higher education sector.
In a press release issued on April 14, the NSA took strong exception to order dated April 8, 2025, issued by the Under Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, which approved the absorption of the contractual faculty members. While acknowledging the service of contractual teachers, the association emphasized that tenure-track academic appointments must be conducted through open and competitive processes.
“While the NSA fully recognises and respects the contributions and sacrifices of the contractual faculty in the academic landscape of Nagaland, we believe and reiterate that any appointment to permanent teaching positions must be governed by fair, transparent, and merit-based recruitment processes,” the association stated.
The scholars' body also noted the confusion arising from a subsequent notification issued on April 10, which nullified the earlier decision to absorb the faculty members. According to the NSA, this administrative back-and-forth reflects “a lack of procedural clarity and highlights the need for greater administrative coherence and accountability.”
“Such administrative ambiguity and ad hoc decision-making impacts public trust and faith in institutions responsible for shaping the future of education in the state,” it said.
The association stressed the importance of preserving institutional integrity, stating, “Institutional legacy, ethics, accountability and processes form the bedrock of democratic institutions.” It called on the government to reaffirm its commitment to due process, while also finding long-term solutions to the challenges faced by contractual educators.
“As educators and scholars, we believe that fostering critical thinking and a culture of fairness is fundamental to preparing responsible and ethical citizens,” the NSA said.
The association urged the state to establish “clear, equitable recruitment mechanisms that allow all qualified candidates a fair opportunity to serve in the higher education institutions of Nagaland.”
“Let us work together to ensure that our academic institutions remain places of excellence, integrity, and opportunity for all,” it added.
