APPEAL FOR PUBLIC SOLIDARITY AT PROTEST ON APRIL 21
Combined Technical Association Nagaland (CTAN) and Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF) have reacted strongly against the recent remarks made by higher education and tourism minister Temjen Imna Along who had recently said regularisation of 147 contractual employees were “not backdoor appointments”.
Addressing media, CTAN and NNQF representatives demanded that the minister clarify his definition of “backdoor appointments.” They pointed out that any public appointment made without open advertisement constituted a “backdoor appointment” and challenged the minister to explain how the recent regularisations did not fall under this category.
They also reacted to Along’s contention that the appointments were made under a “special dispensation,” by pointing out that such measures should only apply to those initially recruited through legitimate procedures.
They maintained that no one, including the minister, was above the law and warned that allowing such exemptions in one department could set a precedent in others.
Also, reacting to Along’s criticism in describing the protest by aspirants as “unethical,” representatives of CTAN and NNQF maintained it was a peaceful demonstration.
The representatives said they were compelled to resort to protest after authorities did not respond to requests through multiple memorandums, appeals, and attempts to meet with the concerned authorities. Any disruption caused to the department’s functioning was a direct result of official inaction, they said.
On the minister’s concern that revocation of appointments would cause “collateral damage” the aspirants instead asked if their careers and aspirations were expendable. They pointed out that the regularisation of the 147 employees would adversely affect future recruitment opportunities to deserving and qualified candidates, and also potentially compromise the academic standards of government colleges.
On the issue of sanctioned posts, the aspirants highlighted the contradiction in the minister’s statement that no sanctioned posts were filled. They questioned how regularisation could take place without sanctioned posts and also charged the department of bypassing recruitment protocols and violating merit-based selection norms.
They also took exception to Along’s assertion that he would hold discussions with only “legitimate bodies” like the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU).
CTAN and NNQF said that while they respect the roles of NSF and ANCSU, yet affected individuals in this case were NET/PhD-qualified aspirants, who did not fall under the jurisdiction of student bodies. They termed the minister’s selective consultation as exclusionary and indicative of vested interests.
They also challenged the “emotional appeal” made by the minister on the meagre salaries of contractual teachers. They countered that those employees had willingly signed contracts and were still in a better position than many unemployed qualified aspirants.
On the issue of shortage of teachers, the aspirants maintained that the crisis was a result of the government’s failure to uphold its responsibilities and not the fault of those demanding fair recruitment through NPSC.
Also, taking note of a circular issued by Science College, Jotsoma, on April 17, 2025, which directed faculty and students to participate in the April 21 protest at the Directorate of Higher Education, the two bodies questioned why All Nagaland Government College Teachers’ Association (ANGCTA) had remained silent on faculty shortages in the past but was now using students as “shields” to protect their backdoor appointments.
Responding to Along’s claim that qualification was not the issue in the regularisation debate, the aspirants reiterated that while qualification was essential, the core issue lies in the process of appointment. However, they pointed out that to even appear for the Common Educational Services Examination (CESE), one must be NET or PhD qualified, that reinforced the need for merit-based selection.
The aspirants also revealed that 78 of the 147 appointments were made prior to 2016, while 69 were appointed after the government’s 2016 order banning contractual recruitment.
They demanded that all appointments made after 2016 be revoked as it clearly contravenes the standing government policy.
Further, the aspirants referred to a 2024 government order that mandated a screening process by a committee for employees who had served for ten years. They alleged that the recent regularisation had occurred even before the committee could submit its report, thereby violating yet another government directive.
Reiterating their demand for the revocation of the regularisation order, CTAN and NNQF said the process had undermined two official government orders and compromised the principles of transparency, fairness, and meritocracy in public employment.
Meanwhile CTAN and NNQF announced continuation of their protest against alleged irregularities in the department of higher education as the state government failed to respond to their demands even after two days of peaceful demonstrations. They also urged the public to join their protests.
Meanwhile, in a public appeal issued Friday, CTAN and NNQF urged all groups and citizens to join a mass protest scheduled for Monday, April 21, 2025.
As per the letter, participants will gather at the Secretariat at 9 a.m. for a brief orientation before marching to the entrance of the Directorate of Higher Education, where the protest will continue peacefully. CTAN and NNQF have requested organisations to send representatives to deliver solidarity speeches during the event.