Assistant Professors’ regularization row | CTAN and NNQF issue ultimatum, to continue agitation from April 24

CTAN and NNQF issue ultimatum, to continue agitation from April 24

The Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and the Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF) have submitted an ultimatum to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland, reiterating their demand for the revocation of government order NO.HTE/HE/13-3/2020 (pt-1) 104 dated December 17, 2024.

In the letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, the two organisations expressed dissatisfaction with the State Cabinet’s recent decision on April 21, 2025, to constitute a committee to examine the matter and submit its report within two months.

Terming the Cabinet’s move as inadequate, the CTAN and NNQF stated, “Given the gravity of the demand, we stand firm on our decision to continue the peaceful agitation from 24th April 2025, until the said order is revoked.”

The CTAN and NNQF have been consistently raising concerns regarding recruitment-related policies in the Higher and Technical Education Department, and this ultimatum marks an escalation in their protest efforts.

SCCSU withdraws appeal for absorption of contractual Assistant Professors

The Sao Chang College Students’ Union (SCCSU), Tuensang, has formally withdrawn its earlier appeal seeking the absorption of contractual Assistant Professors, as per the Order No. HTE/HE/134-32020(PT-11) dated 17th December 2024.

In a letter addressed to the Ex-Officio Director, Department of Higher Education, Nagaland, the union clarified that after careful consideration and discussions, it has decided to maintain a neutral stance on administrative matters that do not fall within the scope of student representation.

The letter stated, “We, the undersigned office bearers of Sao Chang College Students’ Union (SCCSU), Tuensang, hereby submit this letter to withdraw our earlier correspondence dated 10 April 2025, bearing reference No. SCCSU/GE-21/25, titled ‘Letter of appeal in favour of the absorption of contractual Assistant Professors.’”

The union expressed that, “Upon careful consideration and in the light of subsequent discussions and developments, we have come to the conclusion that it is in the best interest of the Students Union to maintain a neutral stance on administrative matters which fall outside the purview of student representation.”

The students’ union further recognized that decisions related to faculty appointments and service absorption fall under the jurisdiction of the competent authorities and clarified, “We recognize that the decisions regarding faculty appointments and service absorption lie solely within the jurisdiction of the competent authorities.”

The SCCSU expressed sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused by the previous correspondence and formally requested that the appeal be treated as withdrawn and “rendered null and void.”

The letter emphasized the union’s continued commitment to the welfare of the student community, stating, “We remain committed to the welfare of the student community and shall continue to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to us with utmost diligence and integrity.”

The union’s decision to withdraw the appeal has been communicated to the Ex-Officio Director, Department of Higher Education, Nagaland, for due acknowledgment.

NPF welcomes Nagaland Government’s move

The Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) has welcomed the Nagaland government’s decision to place in abeyance the absorption of 147 contractual Assistant Professors, stating that the move “reflects attentiveness to the genuine concerns expressed by student bodies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders regarding the need for adherence to fair and established recruitment norms.”

In a statement issued on Monday, the NPF said it “firmly upholds the principles of transparency, fairness, and meritocracy in public appointments,” and urged the government to “initiate inclusive and thorough consultations with all relevant parties to ensure that the final outcome protects the integrity of the recruitment process while safeguarding the rights of deserving candidates.”

While lauding the decision, the party also acknowledged the efforts of those currently serving under contractual terms. “We also recognize the dedicated contributions made by contractual faculty members across Nagaland’s higher education institutions. Their commitment and service have played a vital role in sustaining academic excellence,” the statement read.

“As such, we believe that any future course of action must account for their contributions and consider the wider impact on the academic ecosystem.”

The NPF reaffirmed its commitment “to supporting policies and initiatives that strengthen Nagaland’s educational system and uphold the values of justice, equity, and inclusive progress.”

MT