Raising serious concerns over transparency and fairness, the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has questioned the legality of the state government’s decision to regularise 147 contractual assistant professors and librarians in the Higher Education department.
The union highlighted the issue during the press conference held at its office here on Tuesday. DNSU asst general secretary Rukewezo Wetsah revealed that the union had obtained an RTI confirming that 144 of these contractual posts were absorbed on December 18, 2024—appointments originally made between January 30, 2015 and February 18, 2020.
DNSU urged the state government to adhere to the constitutionally mandated recruitment process through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC). He pointed out that the absorption violated the state Cabinet decision dated June 6, 2016, which explicitly banned the regularisation of contractual employees.
He further criticized the Cabinet’s decision on February 8, 2024, which approved the policy for regularising contract staff, stating it undermined the constitutional right to equal opportunity in public employment.
DNSU general secretary Michael Kath noted that this was not the first instance of such irregularities, stating that similar backdoor regularisations had occurred in the past across several departments. “DNSU has taken up this issue not just for Dimapur, but in the interest of all Nagas,” he said.
While acknowledging the service of the absorbed employees, Kath emphasized that appointments must follow due process to uphold justice, fairness, and transparency. He clarified that DNSU was not questioning the qualifications of the appointees, but the bypassing of NPSC recruitment procedures.
DNSU Education secretary Kevin Gonmei emphasized that the issue was a matter of public concern, not just a student union issue. He said that corruption is pervasive across sectors and called for a collective stand to confront such systemic flaws.
DNSU president Hinoto Aomi revealed that while the RTI confirmed 144 names, the Higher Education department issued a transfer and posting order on April 8, 2025, which included 147 individuals. He explained that the additional three names appeared to be part of routine transfers.
Aomi reiterated that DNSU was not the first to highlight this issue, but it took the initiative to present verified data, inviting public scrutiny. He stated that while emergency contractual appointments may sometimes be justified, it cannot be an excuse to bypass the capacity and standard recruitment norms.
Although legal action was an option, Aomi admitted the chances of success were low since the regularisation had Cabinet, NPSC, and Governor’s clearance. Still, he insisted that “if the Cabinet’s decision is not of the people, by the people, and for the people, then it must be changed.”
Aomi stressed that the matter involved multiple ministries and representatives, and if the government was to retain public trust, it must ensure fairness for both existing appointees and aspiring candidates.
He confirmed that the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) had also raised the issue during its Fifth Federal Assembly and that DNSU would now coordinate with NSF on future action.
Addressing criticism from certain college unions, Aomi clarified that DNSU had no intention of undermining student councils under Dimapur or the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU), to which the concerned colleges belong.
He urged the media to interview colleges that supported the absorption, encouraging them to clarify their positions. He questioned whether students who supported the decision were under pressure from faculty or administrators, and expressed concern over the implications of such support. “If today’s students back door appointments, what kind of leaders will they become tomorrow?” he asked.
On the government’s role, Aomi confirmed that DNSU had a respectful and candid discussion with minister for Higher Education & Tourism, Temjen Imna Along. He acknowledged that the minister was not solely responsible but carried the burden of the decision. “No amount of reasoning can justify the current irregularity,” he asserted.
DNSU proposed that age relaxation be granted to long-serving assistant professors who are now overage, allowing them to appear for NPSC exams.
Aomi cited the original terms of appointment, which clearly stated that the contractual engagement was valid for one year or until finalisation of NPSC recruitment, whichever came earlier, and could be terminated at any time without prior notice. He stressed that the appointees had accepted these conditions from the outset.
He also criticized the prolonged inaction on the issue, suggesting government negligence, and noted that ANCSU had also shown interest in handling the matter since it involved colleges. However, DNSU maintained that its focus was on the broader recruitment mechanism, especially the role of NPSC, which affects youth across the state.
Aomi appealed to the public to move beyond outdated practices, stating that such backdoor appointments were “killing thousands of dreams.” He emphasized that meaningful change must start with individuals and that the government, if sincere, should resolve the issue by strictly following established procedures.