CTAN, PDVCCA, YAA urge action on RMSA-2016 scale pay

Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN), Phek District Village Council Chairman’s Association (PDVCCA), and the Yimkhiung Akherü Arih (YAA) have issued strong appeals to the State Government for immediate implementation of scale pay for RMSA-2016 teachers, citing judicial directives and prolonged neglect.
In a press release, CTAN stated that 133 teachers under the RMSA-2016 batch have been agitating since August 26, following the government’s failure to act on the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming their entitlement to scale pay. The pen-down strike has since escalated into a peaceful sit-in protest from September 8.
CTAN convenor Er. Meshenlo Kath and co-convenor Er. Kaholekho expressed deep dissatisfaction over the Department of School Education’s continued inaction, despite clear orders from both the Gauhati High Court and the Supreme Court of India. They warned that further delay would compel the association to intensify its democratic agitation.
Echoing similar concerns, PDVCCA condemned the “No Work, No Pay” directive as a dehumanizing response to a legitimate demand for job security and dignity. The association emphasized that RMSA-2016 teachers are qualified professionals selected through rigorous examinations, serving in some of the most underserved regions of the state. It also criticized the prevalence of backdoor appointments, alleging that meritless entries into government service continue to be protected while deserving RMSA teachers are left to struggle.
PDVCCA cautioned that the breakdown of the school system and the future of Nagaland’s children would be at stake if the issue remains unresolved, and called upon civil society groups to stand in solidarity with the agitating teachers.
Joining the chorus, the YAA highlighted that 367 RMSA-2016 teachers serving in 233 government schools across Nagaland have been imparting quality education despite facing numerous challenges. Quoting, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” the YAA called for immediate parity in remuneration and strict adherence to the Supreme Court’s affirmation of scale pay.
The organization warned that failure to act would result in reputational consequences for the department and pledged to pursue all avenues to ensure justice for the teachers.