The Nagaland RMSA Teachers’ Association 2016 (NRMSATA-2016) has come out strongly against the ‘no work, no pay’ notice reportedly issued by the Nagaland Education Mission Society (NEMS), describing the move as “harsh and vindictive” amid their ongoing agitation for pay parity.
The association, representing graduate teachers appointed under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), said on Sunday that the government’s threat to withhold salaries comes even as their demand for pay parity with teachers appointed under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) 2010, SSA 2013 and RMSA 2013 remains unresolved.
Although both the Gauhati High Court and the Supreme Court of India have delivered rulings in their favour, the teachers alleged that the state government has yet to implement the mandated pay scale. They further criticised the government’s decision to pursue a review petition after its Special Leave Petition was dismissed by the apex court, calling the move a “delaying tactic.”
The association also recalled that they had endured prolonged salary delays – sometimes up to six months – without halting work, and accused the authorities of adopting “double standards” by now resorting to punitive measures.
Adding to their resentment, the association alleged that several teachers deployed as Trainers of Teachers (ToTs) have recently been transferred or repatriated in what they believe to be a punitive response to their participation in the agitation.
NRMSATA-2016 said its struggle was not against the government but against systemic discrimination, and urged the authorities to withdraw the ‘no work, no pay’ order and open meaningful dialogue to end the impasse.
(With inputs from Eastern Mirror)
