ANSTA seeks suspension of no work no pay policy citing TAMS glitches, warns against unfair salary cuts and action.
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DIMAPUR — The All Nagaland School Teachers’ Association (ANSTA) has urged the School Education department to immediately suspend enforcement of the ‘No work, no pay’ policy linked to the Teacher Attendance Monitoring System (TAMS), citing widespread technical failures.
In a representation to the principal director of School Education, the ANSTA stated that the biometric-based attendance system has been affected by malfunctioning devices, application errors and poor network connectivity, resulting in teachers being marked absent despite being on duty.
It stated that proceeding with salary deductions based solely on such data is unjust and violates principles of natural justice, as employees cannot be penalised without proper verification or an opportunity to be heard.
Also read: All Nagaland School Teachers’ Association urges Nagaland government to regularise ad hoc teachers
It demanded that any salary deductions linked to TAMS be halted until the system is fully functional and reliable. It also called for a technical audit of the application and biometric devices, and suggested interim measures such as manual attendance registers certified by school authorities.
The association also urged the department to consider implementing a proposal submitted during the cadre review, under which senior graduate teachers (GTs) and primary teachers (PTs), upon promotion, may be deputed to government middle schools (GMS) and government primary schools (GPS) respectively.
It stated that such a measure would strengthen administrative supervision at the grassroots level and serve as a more practical mechanism to check absenteeism.
It reiterated that until the system is proven to be fully reliable, it should not be used as the sole basis for determining attendance or imposing financial penalties.
The ANSTA further said that no adverse service action should be taken against any teacher without proper inquiry and verification, and cautioned that it may seek legal remedies if the issue is not addressed.
Promotion issue
In a separate representation to the commissioner and secretary of School Education and SCERT, the ANSTA raised concerns over promotion of teachers holding unrecognised B.Ed degrees.
Referring to a government clarification issued in December 2025, the association said that while the case of ten officials had been treated as a “one-time dispensation”, the decision raises concerns regarding fairness and uniformity within the department.
It urged that no further promotions be granted to those already elevated on the basis of unrecognised degrees until they obtain valid qualifications from recognised institutions. It also called for similar action in other cases involving teachers and school heads with invalid certificates.
It warned that failure to address the issue could lead to democratic forms of agitation, stressing the need for a clear and uniform policy to maintain transparency, consistency and professional standards in the education system.