Extend support to NL-RMSA Batch 2016, urge Nagaland government to act
Kohima, September 1 (MExN): The Sangtam Students’ Union Kohima (SSUK) has expressed deep concern over the prolonged hardships faced by the NL-RMSA Batch of 2016 due to what it termed as the inaction of the State Government.
In a press release, SSUK stated, “It is disheartening that even after the Supreme Court of India delivered a clear verdict granting scale pay to the batch, the order remains unimplemented for over three months. To make matters worse, their salaries have been withheld for five long months, forcing teachers to continue their duties without pay. Such treatment is not only unjust but also an affront to the dignity of work and a clear example of negligence on the part of the authorities.”
The union maintained that teachers are the backbone of society, adding that depriving them of their rightful dues undermines the education system itself. “The SSUK stands shoulder to shoulder with the NLRMSA Batch 2016 in their struggle and fully supports their appeal for justice,” it declared.
Calling upon the State Government to act without delay, SSUK urged the authorities to immediately release all pending salaries, implement the Supreme Court’s directive on scale pay in letter and spirit, and ensure fairness and accountability in dealings with educators. The union further appealed to student bodies, civil societies, and the public to unite their voices against what it described as injustice.
In a separate statement, the Seyochung Village Students’ Union (SVSU) also extended full support to the NL-RMSA Batch of 2016, joining its voice with the United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC).
“It is deeply troubling that even after the Supreme Court of India delivered a clear judgment in their favor, the order on scale pay has not been implemented for over three months, and their salaries remain pending for five long months,” SVSU stated.
The union described teachers as “the torchbearers of society, guiding the next generation with patience, wisdom, and sacrifice.” It added, “To compel them to work without their rightful dues is not only unjust but also a disservice to the students whose education depends on their strength and well-being. Their struggle is not for privilege, but for fairness — a simple recognition of the dignity of their work.”
SVSU asserted that the situation demands unity. “SVSU firmly believes that this is a moment for society to stand united, for justice denied to teachers is justice denied to all. In solidarity with USSC, we urge the Government of Nagaland to uphold the verdict of the Supreme Court and ensure that justice is delivered without further delay. This is not only a legal obligation but a moral duty to those who serve as the backbone of our education system,” the release stated.
Reaffirming its support, the union added, “We reaffirm that our support for the NL-RMSA Batch 2016 will remain steadfast. Their courage in the face of hardship is an inspiration, and we call upon every student body, every community, and every concerned citizen to lend their voice to this cause. Together, we must ensure that our teachers are respected, valued, and treated with the fairness they deserve.”
CTAN supports Nagaland RMSA Teachers' Association
The Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) also reaffirmed its full support and cooperation towards the demands made by Nagaland RMSA teachers' association 2016.
CTAN cautioned as to why the aggrieved teachers are deprived of their rights despite of the clearance issued by Finance Department and cabinet approval for post creation of 627 GT (RMSA).
“Further, the Government / Department must respect the judgment given by the Gauhati High Court to provide the aggrieved teachers their post creation, pay band of Rs 9300-34800 grade pay of Rs 4200 dated 16/03/22 and the judgment upheld by the Supreme Court of India dated 20/05/25,” CTAN stated.
CTAN appealed the Government to address their genuine issue at the earliest, considering the children who are affected because of their agitation.
The Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) also expressed solidarity with the RMSA teachers of Nagaland, stating that the State Government’s non-compliance with court orders constitutes “contempt of court” and a violation of the rule of law.
In a press release, the federation urged the State Government to honour the Judgment and Order dated March 16, 2022, passed by the Division Bench of the Guwahati High Court.
Quoting directly from the order, the NLSF highlighted, “The court holds that the petitioners are entitled for scales of pay at pay band of T9,300 - R34,800/- with Grade Pay of T4,2001- p.m. Accordingly, it is directed the State respondents to grant such scales of pay to the petitioners forth with.”
The federation pointed out that the RMSA teachers, who are direct beneficiaries of the judgment, have shown “remarkable patience and restraint” since the verdict was delivered. However, it noted that the ongoing “Pen Down Strike” initiated by the Nagaland RMSA Teachers’ Association (NRMSATA) since August 26, 2025, is a serious matter affecting the student community.
“The continued denial of justice, despite their dignity and the financial hardships they endure, poses a serious threat—not only to their livelihoods but also to the integrity of the Govt. High School Institutions across the state of Nagaland,” the NLSF stated. It added that the situation undermines the very foundation of quality education and academic activities in the state.
