ENCSU, NLSF oppose non-indigenous candidate in NEET quota

Eastern Nagaland College Students’ Union (ENCSU) and Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) have, in separate statements, strongly objected to the candidature of a non-indigenous candidate seeking admission under Nagaland state quota for NEET 2025.
ENCSU: Eastern Nagaland College Students’ Union (ENCSU) expressed “strong and unequivocal objection” to Vatsala Panghal’s candidature for NEET 2025 from Nagaland State Quota. In a representation to the state chief secretary, ENCSU president Mankap C. Konyak and general secretary K. Pongjikhiung Yimkhiung asserted that Panghal, who hails from Haryana, did not belong to any recognized Scheduled Tribe of Nagaland, rendering her ineligible for the State Quota.
ENCSU reminded that Nagaland State Quota for professional courses was a sacrosanct provision, painstakingly designed to safeguard the interests of indigenous Naga students who were Nagas by blood and domicile. The union expressed deep concern that allowing non-indigenous candidates to avail of the State Quota would undermine the very purpose of this provision.
In this regard, ENCSU has urged the chief secretary to intervene and ensure that the Nagaland State Quota was strictly reserved for eligible candidates in accordance with existing policies and criteria.
NLSF: In a press release, NLSF president Neivisielie Rino and general secretary Temsu I Jr extended support to the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF)’s stand against alleged procedural and substantive irregularities against the admission of NEET 2025 candidature of Panghal. NLSF urged the directorate of technical education and other competent authorities to conduct immediate and thorough review of the candidate’s eligibility, particularly with respect to permanent residency and domicile status within Nagaland; compliance with state quota policy norms and verification of indigenous inhabitant status.
The federation stated that irregularities, if proven, would constitute a violation of the constitutional safeguards afforded to Scheduled Tribes under Articles 15(4), 16(4), and 46 of the Constitution of India.
Further, NLSF stated that such admissions, obtained by misrepresentation or fraudulent documentation, not only contravened the principles of natural justice, equality, and non-arbitrariness under Article 14, but also compromised the integrity of the State’s reservation framework and deprive eligible Indigenous candidates of their rightful opportunities.
The federation has, therefore, urged the responsible authorities to initiate a comprehensive inquiry against all NEET candidates 2025 admissions under the indigenous quota with special attention to verifying the authenticity of documents submitted.
It also sought revocation of admissions and initiate legal action against individuals found to have secured seats through fraudulent means.
NLSF has urged the government to strengthen the verification mechanism for Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates and Scheduled Tribe Certificates, including mandatory cross-verification.
It demanded disciplinary action against any officials, if found in such malpractices. The federation also demanded establishment of a transparent grievance redressal cell to address concerns raised by any Indigenous candidates.
The federation urged the authorities to take swift, firm, and decisive action to uphold justice and safeguard the rights of the Indigenous citizens of Nagaland.