The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) held its Presidential Meet on February 25, 2025, at the Conference Hall, DUDA Guest House, Kohima, bringing together representatives from its eight federating units. The participating units included Phom Students’ Conference (PSC), Tikhir Students’ Union (TSU), Eastern Nagaland Sumi Students’ Union (ENSSU), Chang Wedoshi Setsang (CWS), Konyak Students’ Union (KSU), United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC), Yimkhiung Akherü Arihako (YAA), and Khiamniungan Students’ Union (KSU).
During the meet, the Federation formally resolved to host the 8th ENSF Cultural Fiesta cum General Conference from April 15 to 17, 2025, at Tuensang Headquarters.
However, much of the discussion centered around the Federation’s concerns regarding the Department of School Education (DoSE)’s recent notifications on February 6 and 10, 2025, regarding the rationalization, transfer, and posting of teachers. The Federation, while acknowledging the DoSE’s commitment to improving the education system, expressed deep concern about the implementation of the recent rationalization process.
The ENSF highlighted that the rationalization process, though aimed at improving the system, had resulted in a severe shortage of teachers across many schools in Eastern Nagaland. The Federation warned that if the issue is not addressed promptly, it could lead to far-reaching consequences, disrupting the academic environment and depriving students of their fundamental right to quality education, as guaranteed under the Right to Education Act.
While the DoSE had temporarily put the rationalization process on hold for further review, the Federation reminded the Department of the notification issued on January 9, 2009, and the subsequent letter dated January 19, 2019, which stated that no teaching post should be transferred out of the six districts of Eastern Nagaland, along with the incumbent. Despite this standing notification, the ENSF was disheartened to note that 26 teachers had been transferred out without relievers during the recent rationalization process, exacerbating the shortage of educators in the region.
In light of these developments, the Federation made the following demands:
Retention of teachers until relievers are appointed: The ENSF urged the DoSE to adhere to the existing notification and ensure that no teacher posts are transferred out of Eastern Nagaland without proper replacements.
Recommendation/Forwarding of DEOs & SDEOs in the next rationalization process: The ENSF recommended that the DoSE conduct a thorough review by collecting proper statistical data through District Education Officers (DEOs) and Sub-Divisional Education Officers (SDEOs). They also called for the inclusion of local stakeholders to ensure that the next rationalization process is fair and equitable.
Political interference in teacher transfers: The Federation strongly appealed to the DoSE to avoid political pressure in the rationalization process to maintain fairness and justification.
Recruitment of subject teachers: Acknowledging the significant shortage of teachers in Eastern Nagaland, the ENSF urged the Department to initiate a special recruitment drive for subject teachers in the region.
The ENSF concluded by calling on the DoSE to take immediate corrective actions to prevent further disruption to the education system and to safeguard the best interests of students across Eastern Nagaland.