Assistant Professors’ regularization row: CTAN, NNQF call for cancellation of ‘backdoor’ appointments, warn of agitation starting April 16

Amid growing concerns over transparency and meritocracy in public appointments, the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and the Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF) have called for the immediate revocation of a controversial government order that permits the regularisation of ‘backdoor’ appointments in Nagaland’s higher education sector.

The order in question — Government Order No. HTE/HE/13-3/2020(Pt-1) 104 dated December 17, 2024 — allows the absorption of Assistant Professors and Librarians who were allegedly appointed without following open and competitive recruitment procedures. In a notification issued the following day, 147 individuals were formally absorbed into the Department of Higher Education.

In a statement issued on Saturday, CTAN and NNQF said the order violates the Office Memorandum No. AR-5/ASSO/98 dated June 6, 2016, issued by the Personnel and Administrative Reforms (P&AR) Department, which clearly prohibits contractual appointments in government services.
The groups argue that regularising such appointments not only undermines the principles of fair competition but also deprives duly qualified candidates — many of whom have cleared national eligibility tests — of employment opportunities.

CTAN and NNQF have demanded the immediate cancellation of the December 17 order and termination of all appointees recruited after the 2016 ban.

“Failing to comply with our demand will lead to protests outside the Directorate starting from 16th April 2025,” the statement warned.

On April 12, 2025, CTAN, NNQF and 13 federating associations convened an emergency meeting at Jini’s Studyroom, High School Junction, Kohima, to deliberate on the issue. Terming the regularisation of the 147 Assistant Professors “illegitimate,” the meeting resolved to intensify pressure on the authorities.

Among the resolutions passed were:
• Continuing the ongoing court case against 115 Assistant Professors filed by NNQF.
• Launching a peaceful agitation at the Directorate of Higher Education starting April 16, 2025, inviting the participation of all like-minded individuals.
• Issuing a formal press statement demanding the revocation of the December 17 order.
• Submitting a memorandum during the protest and filing an FIR against the contract employees at the Lokayukta.

In preparation for the agitation, responsibilities were distributed among member associations. The Nagaland Library Association (NLA) will oversee social media coverage, the Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF) will handle finances, the Agriculture Student Association of Nagaland (ASAN) will arrange refreshments, and the Civil Engineering Association of Nagaland (CEAN) will prepare placards.

“The house put a humble request to all members and like-minded individuals to support the agitation,” a statement from the organisers said.