Combined Technical Association and Nagaland NET Qualified Forum clarify reason for protest

Members of CTAN and NNQF briefing the press on Saturday in Kohima.

• KOHIMA — The Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and the Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF) on Saturday clarified that their opposition to the absorption of 147 contractual assistant professors has got nothing to do with the latter’s qualification but the mode of appointment.
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• Addressing a press conference in Kohima, the protestors pointed out that even to sit for the Common Educational Services Examination (CESE) in Nagaland, a candidate should be NET/PhD qualified.
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• They also addressed statements made by Minister for Technical and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, in a recent YouTube interview. They refuted several points raised by the minister concerning the ongoing issue of alleged backdoor appointments and regularisation within the department.

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• Representatives from CTAN and NNQF challenged Along's assertion regarding “special dispensation,” arguing that it only applies to individuals recruited through legitimate processes, which they claimed is not the case in the current issue.
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• They emphasised the importance of upholding the law and warned that granting special dispensation in this instance could set a dangerous precedent for future appointments in other government departments, too.
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• Furthermore, the associations questioned the minister's definition of “backdoor appointment,” asserting that any public appointment made without open advertisement falls under this category. They challenged Along to clarify his understanding of the term in light of the current controversy.
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• Responding to the minister's characterisation of their protest as "unethical," the CTAN and NNQF acknowledged that it extended beyond the initial timeframe. However, they attributed this to the lack of communication from the relevant authorities.
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• They maintained that the protest remained peaceful and ethical throughout and that any disruption to the department's functioning was a direct result of the government's initial lack of response.
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• The associations also criticised Along's focus on “collateral damage,” arguing that he was only considering one side of the issue and neglecting the concerns of aspiring candidates. They asserted that the absorption and regularisation of individuals appointed without due process compromise the future prospects of both aspiring professionals and students in college.
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• They urged the minister to reconsider his stance. Also, CTAN and NNQF challenged the minister's claim that those regularised did not occupy sanctioned posts.
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• They questioned how regularisation could occur without sanctioned posts, arguing that such actions bypass established protocols and violate the principles of meritocracy and open competition.
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• Further, the two groups questioned the minister’s statement that he intends to only consult with the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and the All Nagaland College Students' Union (ANCSU), describing them as the sole legitimate bodies in this matter.
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• CTAN and NNQF disagreed with the minister, asserting that the protesting PhD holders and highly qualified aspirants, who are not under the jurisdiction of the NSF and ANCSU, are the parties most directly affected.
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• "The minister's selective consultation points to vested interest and intentional exclusion," they stated. "It's not about distrust or rejecting the role of the NSF and ANCSU, but the minister's assertion that legitimacy rests solely on institutional title is deeply problematic. Legitimacy rests on who is directly impacted."
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• While acknowledging that CTAN itself is not a registered body, they emphasised that most organisations under its umbrella are.
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• The groups also challenged the minister's claim that he is acting on practicality, not emotion. They argued that his own acknowledgement of the contractual teachers' meagre salaries contradicts this claim.
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• "He emphasised that the contractual teachers were employed for a meagre salary. However, all of them had signed their contracts. So the amount of salary is not the point in question. In fact, they are more fortunate than the unemployed qualified aspirants who have not been given the chance to give exams," they asserted.
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• Furthermore, CTAN and NNQF contended that the shortage of teachers is not a crisis created by the aspirants but rather a direct result of the government's failure to fulfil its responsibilities. "The aspirants are not responsible for the existing gaps in the education system. They are in fact the ones striving to fill them through proper recruitment, as per NPSC rule 9 clause 4," they added.
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• On the minister’s comments regarding a “proper platform” for grievances, the groups responded that numerous memorandums, appeals, press releases, and visits to the department officials and the minister himself have taken place over the years, all prior to the current protests.
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• These attempts to engage in dialogue were allegedly ignored. "The protest was the last resort," they stated, questioning the minister as to what he considers a "proper platform" when their previous attempts at communication were unsuccessful.
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• Questions ANGCTA
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• Also, CTAN and NNQF questioned why the All Nagaland Government College Teachers Association (ANGCTA) has called for solidarity from faculty and students.
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• The organisations specifically took issue with a notification purportedly by the principal of Kohima Science College on April 17, instructing faculty and students to participate in a peaceful demonstration in support of the state Cabinet’s decision to regularise the posts of 147 contractual assistant professors.
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• They suggested that the authorities are manufacturing consent and using students as “shields” to safeguard the employment of certain teachers.
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• The groups warned that if any untoward incidents occur during the protest involving students, the minister will be held solely responsible. They further accused the government of making a "dangerous move" instead of seeking a just resolution to the issue.
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• The groups reminded the government not to play with the innocent lives of students.
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• Meanwhile, CTAN and NNQF have appealed to the students to refrain from participating in the ANGCTA's protest and instead join their own planned peaceful demonstration on the same day.
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• “We are fighting for you, your future, and making ways for you,” they stated. "Instead of joining your enemy, join us. It will be a beneficial one."
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• The organisations also urged "all right-thinking citizens," parents, and aspiring teachers to join their protest on April 21 to ensure their demands are addressed.