Combined Technical Association and Nagaland NET Qualified Fo
Combined Technical Association and Nagaland NET Qualified Forum clarify reason for protest
CTAN and NNQF clarified that their opposition to the absorption of 147 contractual assistant professors has got nothing to do with their qualification but mode of appointment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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."
While acknowledging that CTAN itself is not a registered
body, they emphasised that most organisations under its umbrella are.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
Questions ANGCTA
Also, CTAN and NNQF questioned why the All Nagaland
Government College Teachers Association (ANGCTA) has called for solidarity from
faculty and students.
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.
They suggested that the authorities are manufacturing
consent and using students as “shields” to safeguard the employment of certain
teachers.
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.
The groups reminded the government not to play with the
innocent lives of students.
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.
“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."
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.
