Naga Council Dimapur, others rally behind RMSA 2016 teachers

DIMAPUR — Multiple organisations and student bodies have expressed concern over the ongoing agitation of the RMSA 2016 teachers in Nagaland and have called for immediate government intervention.

NCD: In a press statement, the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) said it has been observing the intensifying protest of the RMSA 2016 teachers in Kohima and appealed to the Advisor for School Education for immediate intervention.

It stated that since the agitation affects students in 133 schools across Nagaland, it is of grave concern to parents and stakeholders.

Also read: RMSA-2016 teachers say Nagaland government defying court orders with ‘fixed pay’ argument

The NCD noted that the demand of the teachers has been upheld by the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, and further by the Supreme Court, and urged the state government to implement the agreed scale pay without further delay.

NPCC: The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) expressed deep concern over the agitation, describing it as a lose-lose situation for all stakeholders, especially students.

The NPCC said the root cause of the agitation lies in the delay by the department and government in implementing the rulings of the courts, which had unambiguously entitled the aggrieved teachers to salary and service benefits at par with other RMSA batches.

The NPCC appealed to the government to act without delay in fulfilling the directives, stressing that the future of children must remain the top priority.

ACAUT: Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) also extended support to the RMSA teachers, who are demanding regularisation of their services and proper pay scales.

ACAUT said the teachers have been on contractual service since 2016 and continue to receive fixed salaries, which it described as exploitation and in violation of labour laws.

It added that the teachers have contributed significantly to academic success and are fully capable of being absorbed into the education system. ACAUT cautioned the government against further delay, stating that “justice delayed is justice denied” and urged the government to resolve the matter at the earliest.

TSU: The Thang Students’ Union (TSU) expressed support for the teachers, saying the disruption of classes in 133 schools across Nagaland since the “pen down strike” of August 26 has adversely impacted education, including in institutions like Government High School, Noklak Village.

The union criticised the department’s “stereotype attitude”, saying it jeopardised students’ future. It appealed to the government to honour the High Court judgement of March 16, 2022, upheld by the Supreme Court on May 20, 2025, and implement the scale pay urgently.

KTC: The Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) also raised concern over what it termed inequitable and unjust governance by the state.

It said the government’s failure to implement the High Court and Supreme Court orders granting scale pay had fuelled resentment among the teachers, crippling schools across Nagaland.

The KTC noted that Nagaland’s status as the third most literate state in India was due to the sacrifices of teachers, and it was unbefitting of the government to disregard their services.

It expressed solidarity with the RMSA teachers and urged the state government to enforce the court verdict and uphold the dignity of teachers.