Says will suspend class boycott for Teachers’ Day

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland RMSA-2016 Teachers Association has reiterated its demand for immediate implementation of pay scales, cautioning that its agitation will intensify if the state government continues to delay action.

Speaking at a press conference in Dimapur on Thursday, the association’s president Imlitemjen thanked various organisations and student bodies for their support, while stressing that the teachers had not wished to resort to agitation at a time when syllabus completion and revision classes are critical. “We were compelled to act due to the government’s unsatisfactory attitude,” he said.

He recalled that on March 16, 2022, the Gauhati High Court ruled in favour of the teachers’ demand for scale pay and the state government filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court. However, the apex court upheld the High Court’s ruling on May 20, 2025, yet, “Even after four months of the Supreme Court order, the state government has failed to implement it,” he said.

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The association launched its first phase of agitation with a pen-down strike from August 26 to the 30th, followed by a total boycott of classes from September 1. Imlitemjen said the agitation would continue and intensify in phases if the government remained unresponsive.

In response to the demand, the state government informed the association that it had filed a review petition in the Supreme Court. However, Imlitemjen argued that the teachers were once again being dragged back into litigation.

“No stay order has been issued so far by the court, which means the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench judgement still stands and remains binding,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the association has also filed a contempt petition in the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench. At a hearing on Thursday, government counsel sought four weeks’ time to file an affidavit regarding the review petition.

Association spokesperson Renbemo L Patton echoed the disappointment, pointing out that the teachers are yet to give any written confirmation on implementation. “Litigation should not be used as an instrument of delay or harassment,” he said.

Read more: Student bodies decry government inaction over Nagaland RMSA teachers pay scale

Rejecting the government’s plea of financial constraints, Patton argued that such excuses cannot justify denial of teachers’ rights, especially when they were recruited through open competitive examinations.

He also highlighted the emotional toll, noting that students frequently call their teachers to ask when they will return to classrooms. “We are particularly concerned for Classes 8, 9 and 10. For Class 10 students, this is a decisive year, as HSLC results determine their academic streams and career choices. At this point, the only thing we can say to our students is we are sorry,” he said.

As a mark of respect, the association announced it will suspend its boycott on September 5 for Teachers’ Day celebrations. However, it warned that unresolved grievances could spill onto the streets.

A meeting has been convened on September 6 to decide the next steps, including the possibility of a third phase of agitation, he said.