The Nagaland Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) Teachers Association-2016 has announced an indefinite sit-in protest at the Directorate of School Education, Kohima, starting September 8, demanding justice and accountability.
The NRMSATA–2016 announced the protest in a press release on Sunday, terming it as “in response to the continued silence and in-action of the Govt. of Nagaland in addressing the long standing and legally resolved issue concerning our service benefits and rightful dues,” as adjudged by the Supreme Court of India.
The NRMSATA–2016 stated that the government’s refusal to implement their demands constitutes “not only a violation of legal mandates but also a grave affront to justice and human dignity.”
The protesting teachers are demanding that the state government recognize their salary and service benefits from the original date of their appointment in 2016.
Their demand also includes that the authorities implement the 2017 Revision of Pay (ROP) scale, including annual increments, matching the pay granted to their 13 counterparts from SSA-RMSA 2010.
Additionally, they demanded the enforcement of Office Memorandum No. AR-3/GEN-231/2011, dated 29 March 2017.
The association stated that the peaceful sit-in protest will continue without interruption until the concerned authorities acknowledge and fulfill their demands.
“We have being brought into this junction having exhausted all democratic and peaceful avenues. An indefinite Sit-in-Protest is now our only path to seek accountability, justice and fair redressal of our grievances,” the association stated.
It added that the protest will adhere strictly to principles of non-violence, lawful conduct, and peaceful assembly, as directed by the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima.
The association also called upon civil society groups, student unions, workers’ associations, and the public to stand in solidarity in asserting their constitutional right to peaceful protest.