Nagaland RMSA Teachers Association (NRMSTA-2016) Monday announced that phase-wise “indefinite agitation” would commence from August 26, 2025 as government failed to address its demands.
On August 13, 2025, NRMSATA-2016 served “final ultimatum” on the state government to implement the Supreme Court verdict and release all pending salaries and arrears within seven working days.
In a statement, NRMSATA 2016 informed that the phase-I would be in the form of pen down strike. The association stated that this democratic protest would impact 133 government high schools across the state. It maintained that the agitation was not intended to disrupt education but to compel the government to fulfil its legal and moral obligations to its teachers. NRMSATA 2016 strongly condemned what it described as “continued silence and inaction” of the state government in addressing long-standing and legally resolved issues concerning their service benefits and rightful dues.
Despite repeated appeals and issuance of a final ultimatum on August 13, 2025, it said the government failed to take action on matters conclusively settled by the judiciary including Gauhati High Court division bench order dated March 16, 2022 and subsequent upholding by Supreme Court on May, 20, 2025. NRMSATA 2016 said that government’s refusal to implement their demands constituted not only a violation of legal mandates but also a grave affront to justice and human dignity.
Their demands included: recognition of salary and service benefits from their original date of appointment in 2016; implementation of the ROP 2017 pay scale, including annual increments, at par with their counterparts—SSA–RMSA 2010–13 teachers and enforcement of office memorandum dated March 29, 2017.
The association stated that government’s prolonged delay in complying with court orders amounted to contempt of court and revealed deep disregard for the dedication and service of teachers who have given nearly a decade to educating the children of Nagaland.
Affirming their commitment to the cause of education and well-being of students, the association, however, said the government’s continued inaction left them with no alternative. NRMSATA 2016 has appealed to the public, civil society organizations, student bodies, and the media to stand with them in solidarity.
It also urged the state government to act immediately: implement the court’s verdicts in full, release all pending salaries and arrears, and end the prolonged injustice.
Meanwhile, several student bodies and organisations have extended their support to RMSA 2016 teachers.
SKK: All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) through its president Gihuka K Zhimo and general secretary Toshika K Kiba expressed “full support” to RMSA teachers 2016 in their pursuit for implementation of the prescribed pay scale as ruled by Gauhati High Court on March 16, 2022, and upheld by the Supreme Court on May 20, 2025.
SKK said RMSA teachers 2016, who were recruited through a proper conduct of exams, have a genuine demand for the implementation of the prescribed pay scale.
The student body said that without the appropriate pay, there could be significant problems not only for the teachers but also for the students. SKK has, therefore, urged the government to take the issue seriously and immediately address the implementation of the pay scale as directed by the court.
SKK also stated that dedication and service rendered by the teachers in shaping the future of students should be duly recognized and valued.
DNSU: Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) through its president Hinoto P Aomi and general secretary Michael Kath also disappointment over the prolonged delay by the state government in implementing the prescribed pay scale for RMSA Teachers 2016 batch. DNSU stated that directive of the Gauhati High Court, which was upheld by the Supreme Court must be respected and executed without any further delay.
DNSU stated that the teachers, who were selected through a fair and competitive process, have been unwavering in their commitment to educating and mentoring students across the state.
The union stated that withholding their rightful dues was a grave injustice and an affront to the dedication and service they continue to render to the society.
DNSU has, therefore, urged the state government to immediately comply with the court’s ruling and clear all pending salaries and arrears without further excuses or procrastination.
It cautioned that any additional delay would only serve to demoralize the educators and compromise the quality of education in Nagaland.
DNSU affirmed solidarity with RMSA 2016 teachers in their rightful pursuit of justice.
ZRSU: Zunheboto Range Students’ Union (ZRSU) extended support to NRMSATA 2016’s demand for the implementation of the prescribed pay scale.
In a press release, ZRSU president Viki K Zhimo and general secretary Holonto S Zhimomi stated that RMSA 2016 teachers have a genuine and legitimate demand for justice. It said the teachers, who have dedicated themselves to shaping the lives and futures of countless students in Nagaland, deserved to be recognized with proper financial remuneration.
ZRSU maintained that without fair pay, the quality of education would suffer, directly affecting thousands of students across the state.
The union has, therefore, called upon the state government to take immediate and serious steps towards implementing the court’s order without delay. “Teachers should not be forced to protest on the streets for what is rightfully theirs,” ZRSU stated.
It also urged the government to act responsibly and uphold justice to safeguard both the rights of teachers and the future of students.
NMAP: New Market (Serü) Area Panchayat (NMAP) Kohima has extended solidarity to the RMSA 2016 batch teachers’ “rightful demand for justice.”
In a statement, panchayat chairman Rokobizo Nyusou said that the land for upgradation of the Government High School (GHS), New Market, Kohima was purchased by the community and the new building was successfully completed in October, 2017. Since then, chairman said the GHS had impressive and consistent results in the HSLC exams with pass percentage ranging from 90% to 92% and distinctions in varied subjects including Hindi and Mathematics.
He said that the past glory of achievements and high enrolment every year has placed the school under PM SHRI School.
NMAP chairman said that achievements reposed the public confidence in Government Schools which was only possible through the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the qualified teaching faculties. He said that currently, six teachers from RMSA-2016 batch were engaged in the school, who were specifically teaching Class-VIII, IX, X and some lower classes.
The panchayat stated that RMSA 12016 batch demand for retrospective service benefits, pay parity and arrears was “undeniable” as per the Supreme Court order.
The panchayat stated due recognition should be given for the service rendered by RMSA teachers towards transforming the education system. It also extended support to the teachers’ fraternity in their pursuit for rightful justice.