L Kenneth Punyu addressing the members of FACTA during its
50th jubilee celebration on Tuesday.
MOKOKCHUNG — While
affirming support to its members, the president of All Nagaland Government
College Teachers’ Association (ANGCTA), L Kenneth Punyu, stated that the
decisions pertaining to absorption or revocation of 147 assistant professors
would lie solely with the government as the issue falls beyond its purview.
Speaking at the 50th jubilee celebration of the Fazl Ali
College Teachers’ Association (FACTA) on Tuesday at the college’s auditorium,
Punyu clarified ANGCTA’s stance on protecting the interests of all its members,
whether permanent or contractual, as mandated by its constitution.
“Our stand is clear: we don’t judge or choose who becomes a
member. Whoever is a member, we will stand with them,” Punyu asserted,
emphasising that it is the government’s prerogative to decide the fate of the
assistant professors.
“It’s beyond our purview to tell the government to revoke or
absorb them,” he added, underscoring ANGCTA’s moral obligation to defend its
members.
“We (ANGCTA) have a constitution where every teacher,
permanent or contractual, are qualified members of ANGCTA. Therefore, we should
protect the interest of every member of the Association,” he said.
He revealed that the association has formally communicated
its position to the government, responding to their request for a statement on
the issue. Punyu also highlighted ANGCTA’s role, as the apex body for the
state’s teaching community, stressing consistency in upholding its
constitutional goals to maintain public respect.
While addressing the broader concerns, he noted that ANGCTA
has engaged with the government on critical issues, including colleges
operating without principals, service extensions beyond superannuation and the
appointment of ex-officio to director position in higher education.
“The association has advocated for department’s leadership
roles to be selected from the members of their own cadre,” said Punyu and
shared that the concerned minister has assured a follow-up meeting after the
Moatsu festival.
In his jubilee greetings, Punyu hailed FACTA as a
cornerstone of ANGCTA upon which the association relied on them for guidance
during challenges.
Reflecting on modern challenges, he noted that advancements
in science and technology have transformed academic and social landscapes.
“Students access the latest publications via gadgets and the
internet before teachers cover them,” he said, acknowledging the post-COVID
push for AI classrooms.
However, he stressed that virtual or AI-based teaching
cannot replace in-person instruction (contact classroom teaching).
“Teachers must adapt to trends but also mentor students on
ethics and character, which are timeless and essential for societal progress,”
he urged, warning that neglecting those values risks societal decline.
The event featured speeches from Dr. Imliwati Longkumer,
president of FACTA; Dr. I Wati Imchen, principal of FAC; Imsunaro, head of
English department; S Arenla Longkumer, former principal of FAC; assistant
professors P Tia Mollier and Mesutoba Ao, convener of the planning committee.
The jubilee souvenir was released by former principal,
Chubayangla.
To mark the golden jubilee, FACTA launched its legacy
project aimed at establishing a working women’s hostel at Fazl Ali College and
also decided to organised an international seminar on May 8.
