The indefinite hunger strike called by the All Nagaland Ad hoc Teachers’ Group (ANATG), 2015 batch, entered its second day on Thursday, while the broader protest over regularization reached its eighth day, even as the state government late in the evening issued a formal communication urging the group to withdraw its cease-work and resume duties.
Earlier in the day, thirteen male volunteers continued their hunger strike outside the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima, stating that no official communication had been received despite verbal assurances of some communication from the government.
ANATG 2015 batch has been staging protests since February 3, initially at Naga Solidarity Park, and submitted a letter to the state government on February 6 seeking immediate regularization of their services. The hunger strike was shifted to the Capital Convention Centre on February 11.
Delegations from the Kohima Village Youth Organization (KVYO), Northern Angami Youth Organization (NAYO), and the All Nagaland State Teachers Association (ANSTA) visited the site to express solidarity. A core committee member noted that ANSTA has been a key stakeholder in the issue since 2018 and 2022, as well as during the current agitation.
School Education Dept communicates
In a letter dated February 12, Principal Director of School Education Shashank Pratap Singh acknowledged receipt of representations submitted by ANATG-2015 and placed on record appreciation for the role of adhoc teachers, particularly in remote and underserved areas. However, the department expressed grave concern over the disruption of academic activities in several government schools, stating that students preparing for HSLC and HSSLC examinations were being adversely affected.
The department assured that the legitimate demands of ANATG are under active consideration and that high-level meetings have been convened with concerned authorities. It further informed that the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms has sought additional documents in respect of 235 adhoc employees, including 61 under Group A and B and 174 under Group C and D, for examination by the Screening Committee for regularization. The department said necessary steps have been initiated and requested submission of required documents.
Stating that the government has already initiated action, the department requested ANATG-2015 to withdraw the ongoing cease-work in the interest of students and restore the academic atmosphere.
Meanwhile, sources said ANATG is likely to take a final call on whether to call off the hunger strike after consultation with its general body members on Friday.
