After Cabinet revokes order regularising 147 faculty posts, CTAN and NNQF push for NPSC recruitment

Following sustained protests by the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and the Nagaland Net Qualified Forum (NNQF), and a dramatic lockdown of the Directorate of Higher Education by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on April 30, the Nagaland State Cabinet has rescinded its controversial decision to regularise 147 contractually appointed faculty members and librarians.

Announcing the rollback, Government Spokesperson and Minister for Power, KG Kenye, stated: “The Cabinet has decided to revoke the earlier Cabinet order on the regularisation of 147 contract faculties and librarians.”

The minister added that a final decision on the matter would only be taken after the High Powered Committee (HPC) constituted to examine the appointments submits its report, expected within three weeks. “Until such time, let us all bear with each other and restore peace and normalcy in the state,” Kenye said.

Kenye acknowledged that the issue stemmed from within the directorate itself. “Something wrong was taking place in one of the directorates but it was never brought to the notice of the Cabinet earlier,” he said.

Raising concerns about the potential fallout, Kenye noted, “We are apprehensive that some serious consequences may take place so the government has to rely on the reports of the HPC. Certain facts have to be established and basing on those facts, the government will take action.”

When asked whether the scandal could impact the current government setup, the spokesperson responded cautiously: “I will not go that far, but it depends on the nature and the degree on which the anomalies have come—whether it was deliberate or unintentional. Whatever it may be, to probe those aspects, we will have to wait for the HPC report.”

The revocation order was handed to the NSF president, Medovi Rhi by the NPF MLA Achumbemo Kikon.

Even as the Cabinet seeks a pause for institutional review, pressure is mounting from civil society. In a letter submitted to the Chief Secretary, CTAN and NNQF welcomed the revocation, stating they “would like to express our gratitude about the revocation of the absorption order of the 147 posts of Assistant Professors and Librarians by the Cabinet on 30/04/2025.”

But the groups are not easing their campaign just yet. Their letter underlined that “the second demand of our protest stands resolute on immediate requisition of the 147 posts to the NPSC after Office Memorandum date 06/06/2016, for a fair and open competition.”

Calling for the requisition to be initiated within three weeks, CTAN and NNQF warned, “The failure to meet this gravitational demand by the government by 21 May 2025, we will resort to democratic means to assert our grievance.”

The controversy has spotlighted deeper concerns about transparency, meritocracy, and systemic opacity in higher education recruitment in Nagaland. Whether the HPC report and subsequent government action can restore trust remains to be seen.

NSF hails Nagaland Government’s decision to revoke controversial Cabinet order

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed its  appreciation to the Government of Nagaland for revoking the Cabinet decision dated 11 September 2024, which sought to regularize 147 Assistant Professors in the Department of Higher Education through a one-time absorption. The Federation hailed the decision as a victory for meritocracy, fairness, and transparency in public recruitment.

In a statement issued today, the NSF announced that, in light of this positive development, it is officially calling off its ongoing democratic agitation with immediate effect.

The NSF extended its gratitude to its organs, senior leaders, students, and the youth community across Nagaland who stood firm in the collective call for justice.

“Their resolute participation and advocacy have been instrumental in ensuring that the voice of the people triumphed over arbitrary governance,” the NSF said.

 The Federation also thanked various organizations and stakeholders who stood in unison in opposing the “ill-conceived” Cabinet order. “The timely interventions and collaborative spirit have reaffirmed the strength of people’s movements grounded in democratic values,” it added.

In particular, the NSF acknowledged the dedication of the aspirants “who have continued to uphold their belief in competitive and merit-based recruitment.” The NSF said that their courage to challenge the unjust decision contributed to the reversal of a policy that would have undermined years of hard work and preparation.

The NSF reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights and future of the student community, pledging to remain vigilant and proactive in defending the principles of merit and transparency in public service recruitment. Should any further attempts arise to subvert these values, the Federation assured it would take appropriate democratic measures to protect the integrity of the recruitment process.

The statement was signed by Medovi Rhi, President, and Chumben Khuvung, General Secretary of the NSF.

MT