Nagaland teachers threaten to initiate pen-down strike over non-payment of salary

DIMAPUR — Nagaland teachers have requested the department of School Education to immediately disburse their pending salaries as well as give a written assurance to address the issue once and for all, failing which, they warned of resorting to pen-down strike.

The All Nagaland School Teachers’ Association (ANSTA) and Nagaland Government Higher Secondary Schools Employee’s Association (NGHSSEA) have written a letter to the commissioner secretary of School Education and SCERT on behalf of the affected teachers.

“It is disheartening to witness this delay, especially in a month when the entire nation comes together to celebrate Teachers’ Day, an occasion dedicated to honouring the invaluable contribution of teachers. This delay not only undermines the hard work and dedication of the teaching community but also portrays a lack of regard for the principles set forth by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan,” read the letter.

“As educators, we are committed to going the extra mile in shaping the future of our students and serving our communities. However, this dedication is met with disappointment when our basic financial needs are not met on time,” it added.

Maintaining that the letter submitted by ANSTA on September 14, requesting the department to release the salaries, had fallen on deaf ear, the associations said the teachers of Nagaland will be forced to initiate a pen-down strike in accordance with the principle of ‘No pay, no work’ if their salaries are not disbursed “immediately”, along with a written assurance not to repeat such delays in the future, within two weeks starting from September 21.

“We believe that a timely resolution of this matter will not only restore our faith in the system but also foster a more conducive environment for teaching and learning,” read the letter.

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