Exempts teachers and educational institutions
Kohima, October 16 (MExN): The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) comprising CANSSEA, FONSESA, NIDA, NSSA, and NF&ASA has announced the extension of its ongoing Pen-down Strike “from October 17 till further instructions,” while exempting teachers and educational institutions from its purview.
In a circular issued by the Media Cell of the JCC, the committee stated that the decision followed deliberations on the ongoing three-day Pen-down Strike related to the protest against the “subversion of meritocracy” in the non-SCS IAS induction process.
The exemption, the JCC said, came “on the request of the All Nagaland School Teachers’ Association (ANSTA), considering the welfare of the students’ community.” The committee further noted, “The JCC acknowledges and appreciates every member of ANSTA for standing steadfast and resolute in their support for meritocracy and appreciate your continued support in spirit.”
While extending the strike, the JCC expressed gratitude to “all Associations, organisations and individuals both overt and covert, who have overwhelmingly come in support of this noble cause of meritocracy.” It also conveyed “sincere regrets for any inconvenience caused to the public during this Pen-down Strike” and appealed to “the conscience of all right-thinking citizens of Nagaland to bear with the protest until this goal is achieved for the benefit of the future generation to inherit a system of fairness and merit.”
The committee informed that all other modalities for the Pen-down Strike issued earlier shall remain enforced.
Meanwhile, the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) has expressed its full support and solidarity with the ongoing strike. In a press release, CTAN stated the “irregularities in the selection process, including alleged backdoor appointments, undermine the principles of fairness and equal opportunity that are essential for the progress of Nagaland’s public administration.”
“Such practices not only demoralize dedicated employees but also erode public trust in our governance systems,” the association added.
