Nagaland: Protesting teachers call off agitation after 12 days

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 7 (EMN): Following a crucial meeting with the state government on Friday, the All Nagaland Ad hoc Teachers’ Group (ANATG)-2015 batch called off its agitation with immediate effect after 12 days of sit-in and eight days of hunger strike.

The ad hoc teachers had been staging a peaceful protest in Kohima since September 26, demanding the government to regularise their services.

A five-point resolution, including constitution of a High Powered Committee within 15 days to address the issue and to resolve the matter before the end of next year, was passed at the meeting on Friday that continued for more than six hours, following which the agitating teachers agreed to call off the protest.

Headed by Principal Secretary to the chief minister, KD Vizo, the meeting was held with the ANATG-2015 batch central and core committee members in the presence of the All Nagaland School Teachers’ Association (ANSTA), at the conference hall, Department of IT&C in Kohima.

Spokesperson of ANATG-2015, Bendangtemsu Ozukum told journalists after the meeting that they have agreed to the five points, which is more to do with the regularisation process and termed the meeting as the “most successful” one.

As for the next step, he said they will present their case before the HPC once it is formed.

The ANATG had earlier rejected the proposal for formation of HPC on the notion that it would take too long for setting up as well as examining the matter. But this time, the state government has given a written assurance on the matter.

ANSTA President Kashito Sumi congratulated the 1166 ad hoc teachers after the meeting, saying that God had intervened in their issue. He also reminded them of their social responsibility and their vital role in nation building.

Meanwhile, the ANATG has convened a general body meeting on October 8 (Saturday) to formally end their agitation.

The five point resolution was signed by KD Vizo; Commissioner and Secretary, School Education and SCERT, Kevileno Angami; Dr. Kevizakie Rio, Joint Mission Director Samagra Shiksha; Kasheto Sumi, President of ANSTA; Visato Koso, Chairman Advisory Committee, ANSTA; and Ruguotsolie, President of ANATG-2015 batch.

Five-point resolution

• To set up a HPC headed by the principal secretary or commissioner secretary within 15 days and submit its recommendation by June 2023, and thereafter take up the issue to resolve the matter within December 2023.
• Service extension to continue till the matter is resolved; however this dispensation will not apply to proxy and untrained teachers.
• Grant of 7th RoP will be based on the recommendation of the HPC.
• ANATG-2015 batch and ANSTA will be given opportunity to present their case before the HPC.
• The HPC shall have a review meeting every two months.