Nagaland: ANSTA opts out of October 17 teachers’ hunger strike

DIMAPUR — The All Nagaland School Teachers' Association (ANSTA) has decided to stay away from the proposed teachers’ mass hunger strike on October 17, choosing to give the state government time to consider its demand for exemption of pre-RTE teachers from the Nagaland Teacher Eligibility Test (NTET).

In a statement issued on Saturday, ANSTA said its decision was taken following a recent meeting between the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) of Pre-RTE Teachers, Nagaland, and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, during which the committee sought his intervention with the Centre for an exemption.

According to ANSTA, Rio gave the committee a patient hearing and assured it that he would discuss the matter with his Council of Ministers and MLAs, while remaining in touch with the committee on further developments.

The association stated that it had decided to repose its trust in the state government’s leadership and allow the matter an opportunity for due consideration, expressing hope that the assurance would lead to positive steps towards addressing the concerns of pre-RTE teachers.

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ANSTA clarified that its decision was based solely on the confidence it placed in the chief minister and the state government, and was not intended to undermine the objectives of the School Teachers’ Federation of India (STFI), of which it is an affiliate.

It also acknowledged the federation’s efforts to safeguard teachers’ rights, dignity and welfare, expressing confidence that STFI would understand the circumstances in Nagaland and the reasons for its decision.