Nagaland: Cabinet Blinks, Protestors Won’t

Govt pauses controversial order; protestors demand complete rollback

Morung Express News
Kohima | April 21

Against the backdrop of the rally called by the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF), the Cabinet in an emergency meeting held on April 21 has decided to keep in abeyance its order to regularise/absorb 147 Assistant Professors.

As the protest entered its third day with the slogan ‘Right to Equal Opportunity’ demanding revocation of the government order outside the Directorate of Higher Education, the cabinet has decided to put the notification for absorption of the 147 assistant professors/librarians in abeyance. 

Government spokesperson, KG Kenye informed that a five member committee headed by Wezope Kenye, APC, will be constituted to thoroughly examine the issue of contractual appointments and give recommendation to the state government within a period 7-8 weeks.

“The matter has been discussed in detail after reviewing the reports and inputs from the concerned department. We fully understand the grievances of all stakeholders involved. There are many factors to consider before we can arrive at a final decision” stated Kenye.

When asked about the fate of the 147 contractual employees, Kenye said “the matter will be kept in abeyance until the committee completes its work” and urged everyone to refrain from agitation or confrontation and allow the process to take its course.

He also assured that the government is taking the issue seriously as it directly affects the education of the students and the well being of the teaching staff as well while assuring that it is fully committed to resolving the issue with care and urgency.

Responding to a query on how the absorption of these 147 employees was considered despite a 2016 government’s order banning such appointments, Kenye admitted there may have lapses adding “that’s exactly why this committee is being formed to study the matter thoroughly.”

However, he also added “we must also remember how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everything for nearly three years.” 

Earlier during the day, a meeting was held between the Minister in-charge, Temjen Imna Along, Higher Education officials, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) where an ultimatum was given to the government.

Cabinet decision rejected
Meanwhile, rejecting the Cabinet’s decision, CTAN and NNQF have written to the Chief Minister through the Deputy Commissioner Kohima for immediate revocation of its order.

“CTAN and NNQF view the decision as unsatisfactory and insensitive given the ongoing protest. The members outrightly reject the decision” it stated adding that the agitation will continue until the cited order is revoked.

NSF 7-day ultimatum to government
Speaking to the media person, NSF president, Medovi said “we have given an ultimatum to the state government for seven days which will expire on April 28” adding that if the government do not roll back or revoke the December 17, 2024 order, the Federation will be compelled to come out to the street.

Prior to the Cabinet’s emergency meeting, a meeting was held between the Minister of Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along and his officials, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU).

In an ultimatum address to the Minister, Higher Education & Tourism, the NSF has termed the Cabinet decision as ‘unjust decision’ in absorbing contractual Assistant Professors into permanent position without considering the merit and qualifications of existing faculty members. 

Despite several representation and public statements, categorically opposing such arbitrary and unjustified regularization and clear recommendation to the concerned  to department revoke any such proposal, NSF has question as to why the department has still not revoked the order after the recent communiqué having been conveyed on April 8, 2025, during the meeting of the concerned department.

The Federation, it stated has also submitted a representation to the Government on April 14, 2025 opposing the adoption of the contractual Assistant Professors into regularization without a stringent evaluation process undermining the principles of fairness and equity in academia, and jeopardizes the future of many deserving candidate who have dedicated years to their educational and professional development.

“The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) after several appeal to the Government to roll back which the Government failed, therefore the Federation is compel to serve a strict 7 days period to roll back the Cabinet decision. If the Government fails to act within stipulated timeframe to address our concerns by 28th of April 2025, the Federation will be compel and have no choice but to take to the streets, our protests will exculpate to ensure that our voice are heard loud and clear” stated the ultimatum.

While asserting its united stand for ‘transparency, meritocracy and accountability’ in the recruitment and promotion process with the education sector, it cautioned that failure to act will provoke a wave of protests and mobilizations.

“As we seek to protect the integrity of our educational institutions and uphold the rights and interest of the student community, NSF urges the Government to reconsider its stands and work towards a reservation that respects meritocracy, justice and equality” stated the ultimatum appended by NSF president, Medovi Rhi and general secretary, Chumben Khuvung.

Meanwhile the protestors continued to shout slogans demanding justice, support for meritocracy and the Minister to step down.

Academic corruption?
“Today I stand here not to whisper, not to negotiate, not for war but to fight against one of the most shameless, destructive, disgraceful practises among our academic world that is backdoor employment or let us call by its true name, academic corruption” stated a scholar from NEHU Shillong.

Stating that it is a betrayal, not only to deserving candidates, but to the entire education system, he went on to say that backdoor appointment is a betrayal to every hardworking experience honest scholar and every young academic who has burnt the midnight oil preparing for fair and transparent selection.

When positions for assistant professor are done through academic connection, political connection and interference, he said, “it is not just an injustice; it is a betrayal of the very integrity of education, and a betrayal of knowledge itself.”

“This protest is about truth and lies” stated an educator, Viketholie Belho urging the aspirants not to be afraid to fight and speak for what is right.

“The more they push us, the more we will fight for what is right. Let us not be afraid to speak when our rights are being infringed and taken away from us. Let us be angry for the right cause. They cannot silence us” he further stated.