ACAUT, Lotha Students' Union slam lack of fair process in absorption of professors, librarians

• DIMAPUR — Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland and the Lotha Students' Union (LSU) have strongly opposed the absorption of assistant professors and librarians into the Higher Education department without public advertisement, competitive recruitment, or adherence to norms.
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• ACAUT seeks removal of minister
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• The ACAUT Nagaland opposed the move and stated that the Cabinet decision of September 11, 2024, approving the absorption of assistant professors serving on fixed pay as a one-time dispensation, was blatant and totally unethical.
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• It questioned the credibility of the state government and was detrimental to the aspirations of qualified individuals who are competing through legitimate and competitive means.

Also read: Naga Students' Federation demands revocation of controversial Cabinet decision

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• In a press statement, ACAUT demanded the removal of the inefficient incumbent minister and his replacement with a "more sensible and qualified person" to take care of the department.
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• It also demanded the immediate revocation of the regularisation order for the contractual posts of assistant professors and librarians and that all the sanctioned posts be requisitioned to the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB), or else it would be compelled to seek legal recourse.
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• It reminded that in 2016, ACAUT and Public Service Aspirants of Nagaland (PSAN) filed a writ petition in the High Court against various illegal/backdoor appointments, which have affected many cases of service regularisation. In the petition, 607 classes I and II Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) posts in 32 departments were challenged.
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• LSU demands revocation of absorption
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• The Lotha Students' Union (LSU) has condemned and expressed outrage over the "arbitrary and unjust absorption" of assistant professors and librarians into the Higher Education Department without a public advertisement, competitive recruitment, or adherence to constitutional norms.
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• In a press statement, the LSU stated that this action is not merely an administrative oversight; it is a deliberate assault on justice, meritocracy, and the aspirations of an entire generation of educated Nagas.
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• Contractual appointments are inherently temporary and should not be used as a covert means to secure permanent positions. The quiet, concealed regularisation of these posts, without scrutiny, fairness, or public notice, is a gross abuse of power and a betrayal of every hard-working and qualified youth in Nagaland.
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• It stated that across the state, NET, SLET, and PhD holders—individuals who have sacrificed years in pursuit of academic excellence—have waited patiently for a just opportunity. What they have received in return is silence, exclusion, and insult.
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• Noting that when prestigious posts like assistant professors are handed out behind closed doors, it doesn’t just erode public faith in the system; it sends a chilling message that, in today’s Nagaland, merit is negotiable and privilege rules.
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• The LSU demanded the immediate revocation of the absorption and called upon the authorities to advertise the vacancies afresh and conduct recruitment through a fair, transparent, and open selection process, in line with the Constitution and the fundamental principles of equity and justice.
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• The LSU stated that it stands in solidarity with the Naga Students' Federation, Dimapur Naga Students' Union, Combined Technical Association of Nagaland, the Nagaland NET Qualified Forum, and with every student body, civil society organisation, and conscientious citizen who has spoken out against this betrayal.