ASSISTANT PROFESSORS ABSORPTION ISSUE: Student bodies, scholars step up opposition

Dimapur, April 20(MExN): A growing number of student bodies and academic associations have intensified their opposition to the Nagaland Government’s decision to absorb 147 contractual assistant professors and librarians in state colleges.

Criticising the move as unconstitutional and undemocratic, they demanded its immediate revocation and accountability for those responsible. They also called for a transparent, merit-based recruitment process through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC), which they claim was bypassed in the controversial decision.

Angami Students’ Union, Delhi (ASUD): The ASUD condemned the alleged notification regularising contractual Assistant Professors and Librarians without due process, calling it a violation of the Government’s own directive against unauthorised appointments. It expressed solidarity with the Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF), Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN), and others, urging the revocation of the notification dated 18 December 2024.

The ASUD cautioned students and institutions to consider the long-term implications of the decision on transparency and meritocracy in the education system.

Nagaland Medical Students’ Association (NMSA): The NMSA denounced the order No. HTE/HE/13-3/2020(PT-1)104 dated 17 December 2024, terming it a violation of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. 

It also asserted that public appointments must be conducted through a transparent and advertised process under NPSC/NSSB, involving written examinations and viva-voce, and that no individual or group should be granted undue privilege at the expense of constitutional justice and public trust. 

It also termed “backdoor appointments” as unconstitutional and unfair, noting that they must be unequivocally rejected and asserted that such arbitrary appointments undermine merit and deny fair opportunities to deserving aspirants.

Accordingly, the NMSA demanded immediate cancellation of the order and urged the Government to requisition all vacant posts to NPSC/NSSB for open, competitive selection.

It also cautioned against similar irregularities in other departments, including recent contractual appointments in the Health Department.
The NMSA further extended its unwavering solidarity with all deserving aspirants, and commended the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and the Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF) for courageously defending the rights of students and the integrity of public institutions.

Sangtam Scholars’ Association (SSA): The SSA also condemned the decision, terming it a violation of the principles of merit-based selection.

The Assistant Professor Positions fall under the Class I Gazetted category, which requires a strict selection process through written examinations or rigorous interviews by bodies such as the NPSC, it noted.

Bypassing the correct protocols could result in long-term setbacks for the education system in the state, and would severely affect opportunities for deserving candidates in years to come, it added.

Such appointments, bypassing NPSC protocols, the SSA held, discourage aspiring scholars and compromise the quality of higher education in Nagaland.

The association demanded revocation of the decision and urged civil society to oppose what it termed a dangerous precedent.

Sangtam Students’ Union Kohima (SSUK): The SSUK expressed “deep concern and strong opposition” to the decision, terming it arbitrary and unconstitutional.

It maintained that all appointments to such critical academic posts must go through NPSC via competitive examination, ensuring meritocracy and accountability.

The education sector must not become a playground for favouritism and backdoor policies, it added, noting that the recent action threatens the integrity of public education.

The SSUK also conveyed its solidarity and extended firm support to CTAN, NNQF, and other concerned individuals and organisations during their rightful agitation towards the decision made by the Government of Nagaland.

It also called upon other student bodies and civil society organisations to unite against the decision.

Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur (TSUD): TSUD said that the ongoing issues on arbitrary appointments and absorption of Assistant Professors and Librarians in the Higher Education Department of Nagaland have raised a deep concern about fairness and transparency in public service recruitment. 

“These actions undermine meritocracy and erode public trust in governance processes. Such practices are not only unjust but also set the boundaries and limitations to the aspirations of deserving candidates who rely on due processes for employment opportunities,” the Union stated in a press note on Saturday. 

While acknowledging the sacrifices and the knowledge and wisdom put by all those professor’s in their own particular colleges, TSUD reiterated its firm stand firm in their “resolute opposition and demand for the justice to such unjust and unfair practices” and urges the department to act with integrity, transparency, and accountability in shaping the future of education in Nagaland with proper recruitment.