Student bodies decry government inaction over Nagaland RMSA teachers pay scale

DIMAPUR/MOKOKCHUNG — The Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF), Seyochung Village Students’ Union (SVSU), and Sangtam Students’ Union Kohima (SSUK) have declared support for the Nagaland RMSA Teachers’ Association (NRMSATA) 2016 batch.

NLSF: The NLSF, in a statement on Monday, condemned the government’s non-compliance with judicial directives as an act of “contempt of court” and a serious violation of the rule of law. It urged immediate action to uphold justice and protect Nagaland’s education system.

The federation highlighted the March 16, 2022, ruling by the Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court, upheld by the Supreme Court on May 20, 2025, which entitles RMSA teachers to a pay scale of INR 9,300-34,800 with a grade pay of INR 4,200 per month.

It maintained that the court directed the state (state respondent) to grant such scales of pay to the petitioners “forthwith”, yet the government’s inaction has forced teachers to strike, disrupting classes in 133 government high schools across Nagaland, including 18 in Mokokchung district.

Also read: Nagaland RMSA-2016 teachers begin state-wide boycott of classes

The NLSF lauded the teachers’ demonstration of “remarkable patience and restraint” since the court’s verdict, stating that their protest was compelled to secure their legitimate rights.

“The continued denial of justice not only threatens the livelihoods of these teachers but also undermines the foundation of quality education in Nagaland and academic activities,” the NLSF stated.

The NLSF warned that the ongoing strike jeopardises academic activities and the integrity of government high schools, posing a significant threat to the state’s educational framework.

NLSF President Neivisielie Rino and General Secretary Temsu I Jr. called on the state government to uphold the dignity of the court and ensure justice for the aggrieved teachers.

Read more: Nagaland: Medical students continue stir against health department’s regularisation move

SVSU: The SVSU, in support of the teachers, said that teachers are the torchbearers of society, guiding the next generation with patience, wisdom, and sacrifice. To compel them to work without their rightful dues is not only unjust but also a disservice to the students whose education depends on their strength and well-being.

The SVSU said it firmly believes that this is a moment for society to stand united, for justice denied to teachers is justice denied to all. “In solidarity with USSC, we urge the Government of Nagaland to uphold the verdict of the Supreme Court and ensure that justice is delivered without further delay.”

“This is not only a legal obligation but a moral duty to those who serve as the backbone of our education system,” it read. The union reaffirmed that its support for the teachers will remain steadfast.

SSUK: In a similar statement, the SSUK said that it is deeply disturbed by the hardships faced by the teachers due to the prolonged inaction of the state government.

It said that to make matters worse, their salaries have been withheld for five long months, forcing teachers to continue their duties without pay. Such treatment is not only unjust but also an affront to the dignity of work and a clear example of negligence on the part of the authorities.

It said that teachers are the backbone of society as they nurture the next generation with dedication and sacrifice, and depriving them of their rightful dues is to undermine the very foundation of the education system. It further stated that the SSUK stands shoulder to shoulder with the teachers in their struggle and fully supports their appeal for justice.

It urged the Government of Nagaland to act without delay by releasing all pending salaries immediately, implementing the Supreme Court’s directive on scale pay in letter and spirit, and ensuring fairness and accountability in its dealings with educators.

The SSUK also appealed to student bodies, civil societies, and the wider public to unite their voices against such injustice.