- DIMAPUR — Controversy
continues to surround the planned protests regarding the regularisation of 147
contractual assistant professors under the Higher Education department in
Nagaland.
- While calls to roll back the December 18, 2024, order absorbing
the teachers continue to mount, a counter-movement to demonstrate solidarity
with the state government's decision and the teachers themselves is gaining
momentum, albeit with conflicting directives from within the government.
- Several government colleges have reportedly issued
notifications urging their faculty, staff, and students to organise and
participate in solidarity protests.
Also read: Combined Technical Association and Nagaland NET Qualified Forum clarify reason for protest
- One such notice, issued by Mount Tiyi College in Wokha, had
directed all teaching faculty, ministerial staff, and grades 3 and 4 employees
to observe a "peaceful dharna" on Monday, April 21, from 10 am to 4
pm.
- The notice explicitly states that participation is
compulsory, demonstrating support for the government's decision to regularise
the 147 contractual teachers “as per the directives given by Minister, Higher
Education.”
- However, a circular issued by V Lovitoly Sema, ex-officio
Director of Higher Education, instructed government colleges to refrain from
any agitation.
- The directive, attributed to the Minister of Higher Education
(again), advised college principals to prevent faculty and students from
engaging in any form of protest concerning the assistant professors'
absorption.
- The notification stated that Nagaland government intends to
deliberate with stakeholders to resolve the issue.
- ANCSU prohibition
