The Eastern Nagaland College Students’ Union (ENCSU) has submitted a formal objection to the Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland, expressing strong opposition to the candidature of Ms. Vatsala Panghal for the NEET 2025 under the Nagaland State Quota.
In the letter, the ENCSU stated that it is “constrained to express our strong and unequivocal objection to Ms. Vatsala Panghal’s Candidature for the NEET 2025 from the Nagaland State Quota, owing to her ineligibility stemming from her origin outside the state.”
The students’ union highlighted that Ms. Panghal “hails from Haryana and doesn’t belong to any recognized Scheduled Tribe of Nagaland, which renders her ineligible for the coveted State Quota.”
The ENCSU emphasized the importance of the quota, stating that it is a “sacrosanct provision, painstakingly designed to safeguard the interests of indigenous Naga students who are Nagas by blood and domicile.” The union added, “We are deeply concerned that allowing non-indigenous candidates to avail of the State Quota would undermine the very purpose of this provision.”
The ENCSU further requested that the government “give due consideration to our objection and ensure that the Nagaland State Quota is strictly reserved for eligible candidates in accordance with existing policies and criteria. Upholding the integrity of these provisions is paramount to maintaining the sanctity of opportunities meant for the State’s indigenous population.”
The objection letter was signed by Mankap Konyak, President, and K. Pongjikhiung Yimkhiung, General Secretary, of the ENCSU.