KG Kenye briefing the press in Kohima on Wednesday.
KOHIMA — Basing
on an interim report submitted by the High Power Committee (HPC), Nagaland
Cabinet on Wednesday decided to revoke the order to absorb and regularise the
posts of 147 contractual assistant professors and librarians.
This was informed by KG Kenye, Minister for Power and
Parliamentary Affairs, during a press conference in Kohima.
He expressed regret that the anomalies committed during the
regularisation process had previously escaped the knowledge of the Cabinet.
According to him, they were detected only after the aggrieved parties had
raised their voices.
“So, this is something quite awkward for the government
also,” he said.
Kenye said that certain lapses on the part of Higher and
Technical Education department had 'misled' the entire Cabinet and the
government into a very awkward situation. “I must admit that the government is
embarrassed for having to review its own decision,” he said.
The minister informed that the HPC—constituted on April 21—
has submitted its interim report, and their initial finding is that “this is a
fit case for review, taking into consideration all the aspects of their study,
which is still in the process.”
He said that the Cabinet is also convinced “by the nature of
this entire proceeding” that some things might have gone wrong. Therefore,
“basing on the HPC’s interim report, the Cabinet has decided to revoke the
order regularising the 147 candidates,” he said.
“And with this, I hope the aggrieved parties who are on the
streets will call off their agitation, and we shall all wait for the final
report of the High Power Committee, which is due in two and a half weeks, at
the most, based on which the final decision will be taken by the Cabinet
again,” he added.
Kenye said that the Cabinet took cognisance of the entire
situation, and on presumption, they have acted because they respect the views
that have been put forward by the aggrieved parties.
When asked if any actions will be taken against the
department concerned, he replied that “we are apprehensive that some serious
consequences may take place”, while adding that the government has to rely on
the HPC, who will be establishing those facts.
After certain facts are established and reports are
submitted, “the government certainly will take further actions,” he said. The
HPC report will be made public to maintain transparency, he added.
Asked how the department had misguided the government on
this issue, he replied that there are many ways the department can do things
without bringing it to the notice of the government, “which is not supposed to
be.”
The minister maintained that since it had escaped the
knowledge of the Cabinet earlier, the government is also in an awkward position
now. He added that they will find ways to make corrections.
He asserted that they will be more vigilant and direct the
departments not to make any ad hoc appointments.
Segregation
Kenye also hinted at potential segregation of the 147
assistant professors and librarians into two or three categories. This would
allow for an amicable solution, as grouping them into one category will be
unjustified, he said.
The minister added that while the government recognises the
need to adhere to established regulations and legal frameworks, the final
decision rests with the Cabinet.
Until a resolution is reached, he said that the status quo
will remain, and the 147 assistant professors and librarians will continue
their current contractual arrangements.
When questioned about the Cabinet's view on the recent
statement from the minister concerned hinting at a potential revocation, Kenye
replied that “annoying” is how the Cabinet feels.
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