So much has been raised on the issue from both sides of the
fence, and a lot of bitterness splattered all over. This controversy is solely
the creation of the Department of Higher Education (DHE), Government of
Nagaland.
The Government of India conducted a massive exercise to
upgrade the educational landscape of the country by bringing in the much-needed
reforms. To cope up, it was expected of the states to expand their
infrastructure and manpower accordingly. The DHE should have planned out these
exercises by ensuring that faculty positions were immediately in place before
implementation of the NEP 2020. However, it appears from the interview of Mr
Imna Along, the concerned Minister, that many of the contractual faculties were
appointed prior to 2016. This was long before the NEP 2020. There is something
seriously amiss here. There was not much pressure then, as there is now. Then
why were those Assistant Professors and Librarians appointed, out of the way,
on contract? If there was shortage then, some posts should have been created and
given for recruitment. It is understood that the NPSC does not sit regularly to
recruit teachers, as the Commission is also busy for the numerous departments
of the state. It would also depend on the requisitioning of posts to the
Commission. Even if the NPSC sits once a year for Higher Education, then all is
well. However, it appears that the DHE has been sleeping on the files, or,
there were no posts. If there were no posts, the DHE was not serious in
pursuing the matter. It is a fact, most unfortunately, that we have greatly
compromised education at all levels in Nagaland.
If there is requirement, but no sanctioned posts exist, the
Government may recruit Guest/Contractual faculties out of the Recurring Grants,
which is probably being done; similarly for existing sanctioned posts that
could not be sent to the NPSC in time. However, the Guest/Contractual faculty
positions aimed to be filled MUST BE ADVERTISED in all possible media,
including the Directorate website. Appointments should be made by selecting the
best through formal interviews at the department level. The appointments have
to be on semester basis and must clearly spell out the condition that “The
appointment shall be terminated at the end of the semester, or as and when the
post is filled by a regular employee”. The employee selected on contract may
continue for another semester with a break in service, and further, till the
post is filled by a regular faculty. This condition will ensure that those who
take up these posts will be aware of what the future holds for them. Thus, the
contract employees will be on the lookout for other opportunities. It is highly
doubtful if the DHE advertised the positions and recruited the contract
faculties in question by following procedures. There is irritation for the term
“Backdoor Appointment”, but the present case is a sad fact. No rules were
followed for recruitment. With the existence of the NPSC, all faculty positions
must be widely advertised, so as to inform all interested of the opportunities
available, and be filled solely on merit; after all, we are dealing with the
future generation. There is no other way. No executive authority can recruit on
their whims and fancies; there is no constitutional provision, than the above,
for the same.
It is being contested that the existing contractual
faculties are very experienced, which has no merit, whatsoever. No one was ever
born with all the experience of the world. Everyone starts from scratch, and
gains experience along the way. Another matter being discussed is the low
salary package of the contractual faculties, and lack of benefits that regular
faculties enjoy. The salary, is one of the terms of the contract. All faculties
on contract accepted the salary and the lack of benefits, so why should there
be emotional outpouring on the matter at all. By accepting a contract, an
employee is bound to perform all tasks assigned, even those at par with regular
employees. When the NPSC advertises these posts, the contractual faculties must
apply and try to secure stable positions. As far as academic excellence in the
government institutions is concerned, validly recruit the best and we shall see
excellence like never before.
