Assistant Professors’ regularization row: NSF demands immediate revocation of regularization order; Warns of democratic measures

Joining the ongoing controversy, the latest to voice its opposition is the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), which has submitted a strong representation to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland, demanding the “immediate revocation of the Regularization Order in the Higher Education Department.”

In its letter, the NSF expressed its “firm objection and unequivocal condemnation” of the decision taken by the State Cabinet on September 11, 2024, approving the absorption of 151 Assistant Professors serving on fixed pay under the Department of Higher Education as a “one-time dispensation.

“The students’ body said it had “through several representations and public statements, in general, categorically opposed such arbitrary and unjustified regularization,” and had “clearly recommended that the concerned department revoke any such proposal.”

“It is, therefore, highly alarming that the concerned Minister of Higher Education and the State Cabinet have chosen to override these recommendations and proceed in blatant disregard of the core values of meritocracy, transparency, and fairness,” the Federation said.

Accusing the department of acting against the interest of aspirants, the NSF questioned “the moral and administrative integrity of the concerned department for choosing to act against the interest of the thousands of qualified and deserving aspirants who continue to prepare for recruitment through legitimate and competitive means.”

Pointing out that the Federation had reiterated its demands as recently as April 8, 2025, during a meeting with the concerned department, the representation asked, “Why has the department still not revoked the order, despite the demand been placed forth by the NSF?”

The NSF clarified that its opposition to “this form of absorption is not new.” Over the years, it said, it had “consistently voiced our concerns,” emphasizing that “such backdoor regularization processes are detrimental to the aspirations of educated Naga youths and erode public trust in the system.”

ALSO READ | Assistant Professors’ regularization row: NU students and scholars’ forums demand cancellation of 17 Dec order

Further intensifying its criticism, the NSF remarked, “The Department of Higher Education is one of the most crucial arms of the state government in shaping the intellectual, academic, and professional foundation of our society. Sadly, under the current leadership, the department has failed to uphold the very objectives for which it exists.”

“By pushing for this regularization, the department has not only violated the principles of fair recruitment but has also tarnished the credibility of the department,” the Federation stated. The NSF views the move as “vested interest, lacking transparency, and grossly unfair to aspiring candidates.”

The Federation demanded the “immediate revocation of the said Cabinet decision” and further urged the government to “requisition all sanctioned posts to the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) immediately.”

Warning of further action, the NSF said, “Failure to act upon this demand, the Federation will be compelled to initiate democratic measures to safeguard the interests of our aspirants and student community.”

MT