Refrain from treating Director of Higher Education position as a political appointment: ANCSU tells govt

The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has formally requested the Government of Nagaland to reconsider the recent appointment decision concerning the Director of the Higher Education Department. In a letter addressed to the Minister of Higher Education & Tourism, Nagaland, the ANCSU expressed its concern over the reassignment of the previous Director to the role of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) without what they deem a justifiable reason.

“This decision, coinciding with the nation-wide celebration of Teacher’s Day, has caused considerable distress among students and faculty alike,” the ANCSU wrote, adding that it also risks diminishing morale within the teaching community, particularly among those who aspire to lead the department in the near future.

Further, the ANCSU argued that this “abrupt reassignment appears to contravene the Nagaland Higher Education Service Rules of 2015,” which mandate appointments based on specific qualifications and criteria.

The union said it is particularly troubled by the appointment of an NCS cadre officer to the director’s position, rather than a qualified academic leader with the necessary credentials as per UGC norms. It argued that this shift jeopardizes the integrity of the department and the future of students, especially at a critical time when Nagaland is implementing the New Education Policy 2020, a transition that demands experienced and academically qualified leadership.

In its letter, the ANCSU appealed to the state government to avoid treating the Director’s position as a political appointment and instead ensure that it is filled by someone who meets the UGC’s stringent academic and professional criteria, ensuring that educational institutions are led by individuals who are best equipped to guide this vital sector.

The letter, signed by ANCSU President Tenyesinlo Bukh and Vice President H Kivika Achumi, has also been copied to several high-ranking officials including the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner & Secretary of Higher Education & Technical. The ANCSU hopes that their concerns will prompt a review of the decision to better align with established norms and service rules for the greater benefit of students, faculty, and the future of higher education in Nagaland.

MT