Nagaland RMSA-2016 teachers begin state-wide boycott of classes

DIMAPUR — The RMSA-2016 Teachers Association has announced its second phase of agitation, declaring a total boycott of classes across Nagaland beginning September 1.

In a press release issued on Monday, the association stated that the boycott would affect teaching and academic activities in 133 educational institutions across the state.

The move comes in protest against the state government’s alleged failure to implement binding court orders on the teachers’ long-standing ‘Equal Pay for Equal Work’ demand.

“For over nine years, the RMSA-2016 teachers have faithfully served the student community, despite facing wage injustice, delayed salaries, and prolonged legal battles financed from our meagre fixed pay.

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“Since September 2018, we have pursued justice through the courts, and multiple rulings have affirmed our rightful claim. Yet, the state government has chosen to defy these binding orders, pushing us into a position where peaceful agitation remains our only option,” it stated.

The association maintained the decision to boycott classes was not taken lightly, expressing regret over the disruption students, parents, and the education system would face.

“However, the government’s persistent indifference, disregard for judicial directives, and refusal to uphold even the most basic principles of fairness have left us with no alternative,” it added.

Reiterating their demands, the teachers sought recognition of service from 2016, implementation of ROP 2017 with annual increments at par with their SSA–RMSA 2010–13 counterparts, and release of all pending arrears.

Appealing for public support, the association said their struggle was not just about salaries but also about “justice, dignity, and the rights of those entrusted with shaping the future of society.”

They further warned that the agitation would be intensified until the government addressed their grievances sincerely.