Nagaland teachers’ bodies at odds over membership fee collection

DIMAPUR — The All Nagaland Ad hoc Regularised Primary Teachers’ Forum has rejected a statement issued by the All Nagaland Government Primary Teachers’ Association (ANGPTA) cautioning teachers against “unauthorised collection” of membership fees and asked its members to continue contributing to the All Nagaland School Teachers’ Association (ANSTA).

In a rejoinder issued in response to a statement published on March 18, the forum said it has been functioning under ANSTA since 2018 and termed ANGPTA’s position as misleading.

The forum stated that primary teachers had earlier functioned under ANGPTA, but differences arose following a general meeting held on December 17, 2017, where it was decided to prepare a seniority list based on date of appointment. It alleged that some leaders later pushed for seniority to be determined from the date of regularisation, leading to disagreements.

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Following this, the forum said ad hoc regularised teachers resolved to separate from ANGPTA and rejoin ANSTA in June 2018.

It further cited a School Education department order dated June 13, 2024 directing that the seniority list be reviewed in accordance with government norms. The forum alleged that ANGPTA submitted a list covering around 1,500 teachers, despite the total number of primary teachers being significantly higher.

The forum also accused ANGPTA of “misconduct and unconstitutional style of functioning” and maintained that it has since been working under ANSTA, which it described as the apex teachers’ body in the state.

It urged ad hoc regularised primary teachers to contribute membership fees to ANSTA, stating that the funds are used for teachers’ welfare.