All Nagaland Pre-Service Teachers’ Association demands requisition of 1,168 primary teacher vacancies, age relaxation

DIMAPUR — The All Nagaland Pre-Service Teachers’ Association (ANPSTA) has urged the Department of School Education (DoSE) to immediately initiate the recruitment process for 1,168 primary teacher posts, while also demanding age relaxation and clear eligibility criteria in line with Supreme Court directives.

In a representation submitted to the Principal Director of School Education on Friday, the association pressed for the vacancies to be requisitioned within two weeks through the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB), citing the cabinet decision contained in Office Memorandum No. CAB-2/2013(PT).

ANPSTA pointed out that open recruitment for primary teachers has not been conducted for over 10 years and called for a 10-year age relaxation for eligible candidates affected by the delay.

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The association also sought clarity on qualification and eligibility criteria, stating that the essential qualification must be a D.El.Ed degree from a government-recognised institution.

Additionally, it asserted that recruitment must be restricted to D.El.Ed (Diploma in Elementary Education) or PSTE trainees as per the Supreme Court’s August 2023 directive and opposed the inclusion of M.Ed, B.Ed, ECCE or Montessori trainees for these posts.

It further emphasised that the selection process should be merit-based, without “reservations or quotas that may compromise the quality of education,” stating that only the most deserving and qualified candidates should be appointed.

Calling for transparency and fairness, ANPSTA warned that “any deviation from these requirements” would make the department accountable for “any action and unforeseen consequences” taken by the association.