RMSA teachers’ strike disrupts classes in 133 Nagaland schools, enters third day

CHUCHUYIMPANG — The indefinite pen-down strike called by Nagaland RMSA Teachers’ Association (NRMSTA) 2016 batch entered the third day on Thursday, disrupting classes in 133 government high schools across Nagaland.

In Mokokchung district alone, 18 schools have been affected, with classrooms lying idle as teachers pressed for long-pending service benefits and recognition.

At Government High School, Chuchuyimpang, five RMSA teachers stayed away from duty, leaving Classes VIII, IX and X severely impacted.

Also read: Nagaland RMSA 2016 teachers to continue indefinite pen-down strike

Non-striking staff struggled to balance lessons with invigilation duties for ongoing Class 6 and 7 quarterly examinations, while students preparing for board exams in November and December were left largely unattended.

Assistant Headmaster Imtisungkum cautioned that prolonged agitation could jeopardise syllabus completion and examination results.

“RMSA teachers, primarily appointed for Classes 9 and 10, are also compelled to take lower classes. Without them, schools cannot function smoothly,” he said.

The striking teachers maintained that the agitation was forced by the state government’s failure to implement court rulings. “The Supreme Court upheld the Gauhati High Court’s verdict on May 20, 2025, yet the government has not acted,” they said, citing the March 16, 2022, ruling.

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Their demands include recognition of salary and service benefits from their 2016 appointment year, implementation of the ROP 2017 pay scale with annual increments on par with 2010-13 SSA-RMSA teachers, and enforcement of the Office Memorandum dated March 29, 2017. They also flagged non-payment of salaries since April 2025.

“We are fighting for justice and our dignity. Without it, how can we give our best in the classroom?” they questioned, while acknowledging concerns about students.

Graduate teacher I Malemla Lkr said non-striking staff were under heavy strain. “Higher classes taught by RMSA teachers are largely unattended, risking academic progress,” she noted.

The association has urged the government to act promptly to release pending salaries and implement court directives to prevent further disruption, especially with board exams approaching.