Nagaland's Higher Education department caught in web of controversy over regularisation of contractual posts

• DIMAPUR — Controversy continues to surround the planned protests regarding the regularisation of 147 contractual assistant professors under the Higher Education department in Nagaland.
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• While calls to roll back the December 18, 2024, order absorbing the teachers continue to mount, a counter-movement to demonstrate solidarity with the state government's decision and the teachers themselves is gaining momentum, albeit with conflicting directives from within the government.
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• Several government colleges have reportedly issued notifications urging their faculty, staff, and students to organise and participate in solidarity protests.

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

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• One such notice, issued by Mount Tiyi College in Wokha, had directed all teaching faculty, ministerial staff, and grades 3 and 4 employees to observe a "peaceful dharna" on Monday, April 21, from 10 am to 4 pm.
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• The notice explicitly states that participation is compulsory, demonstrating support for the government's decision to regularise the 147 contractual teachers “as per the directives given by Minister, Higher Education.”
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• However, a circular issued by V Lovitoly Sema, ex-officio Director of Higher Education, instructed government colleges to refrain from any agitation.
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• The directive, attributed to the Minister of Higher Education (again), advised college principals to prevent faculty and students from engaging in any form of protest concerning the assistant professors' absorption.
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• The notification stated that Nagaland government intends to deliberate with stakeholders to resolve the issue.
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• ANCSU prohibition
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• Meanwhile, the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANSCU) issued a directive to its affiliated and associate units, reminding them of its 2017 Union Assembly Resolution that prohibits member units from participating in any agitations, protests, or meetings called by external individuals, unions, organisations, or political parties, aside from those sanctioned by the ANCSU itself.
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• The union maintained that this resolution is crucial for safeguarding colleges from undue external interference and ensuring the smooth continuation of academic pursuits.
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• Furthermore, referencing a resolution adopted during the Emergency Union Assembly held on April 15, the ANSCU has instructed all units to abstain from releasing any statements, whether in electronic or print media, regarding issues currently being addressed by the ANCSU.