Dimapur, June 9 (EMN): The Nagaland Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers’ Association (NSSATA) has stated that the group's ‘fight is based on government credentials and therefore not beyond the democratic norms as alleged by the government.’
A statement from the association on Saturday stated that the SSA teachers of the 2010 and 2013 batches were appointed as regular state employees, based on advertisements and by open recruitment.
“The appointment order clearly mentioned that the teachers will be endowed with a scale pay and ‘with all other allowances/rates prescribed by the government of Nagaland from time to time with effect from the date of joining,’” it stated.
The association cited an RTI reply from the state government in which the latter reportedly stated that ‘the post creation is not done by SSA, it is a government of Nagaland undertaking. Hence, teachers are appointed on regular basis and their service is not co-terminus with SSA project.’
“Therefore, the agitation is in demand of what is rightfully ours basing on the appointment terms, with all service benefits deemed right for a state regular government employee. In regard to pay and related allowances, we have been enjoying all other benefits as that of the regular state employees since the date of appointment and along with it, deduction of 10% NPS of the total emolument, GIS and professional tax are also made regularly.
“Therefore, connecting the NSSATA matter with irregularities of a centrally sponsored flagship programme will not solve the mounting problem,” it stated.
On the demand for implementation of 7th RoP “and also demand for salary from the state non-plan budget,” it stated that those were “made in line with regular state employees based on a government order vide No. C&S/SE&SCERT/MISC/2016 where it said, ‘the inclusion of salary of SSA teachers under Non-Plan shall be taken up at the appropriate time as and when the centrally sponsored scheme of SSA comes to an end.’”
According to the NSSATA, it was ‘very much aware that the solution to our demands require certain formalities and we have been informed of the same since 2016 and that directives have been issued to the department for examination.’
“On the basis of the assurances given by the government, we have cooperated patiently trusting that the department would work out a solution. Despite the failure on the part of the government to fulfil the assurance given by them, we are still not demanding for a ‘magic formula’ to solve our issues.
“The government admitting that there has been a mistake while making appointments does not amount to any defects in the nature of our appointment. The NSSATA is also fully aware that the ongoing agitation is seriously affecting the careers of the students and the quality of education in Nagaland. However, when the teachers are physically and morally disturbed by such uncertain future there is no way the teachers would be able to deliver quality returns to the children even if classes are being held.”
It was of the view that blaming only the teachers for agitating and 'hampering' education and not considering the ‘discrimination of the teachers’ welfare is even more grievous.’
“The NSSATA therefore demand for fast track addressal (sic) of the matter so as to avert any further stir. It may be mentioned that the NSSATA on its first phase of protest held a pen down strike from May 2 – 10 followed by the boycotting of classes from May 11 – 25 and from June 1- 5 in the second phase.”
