Nagaland: NSF objects to minister’s NIT remark

Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has strongly objected to the statement made by minister for Higher Education Temjen Imna Along in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly regarding alleged interference by certain organisations in matters related to the National Institute of Technology Nagaland (NIT Nagaland).
In a press statement, NSF president Mteisuding Heraang education committee editor & convenor, Pithungo Shitio said that if the minister’s remarks were directed at the federation, it would unequivocally take responsibility for raising the issues in the larger interest of the Naga people and the student community.
The federation expressed displeasure that the minister had allegedly presented “half information” on the floor of the House, which it said could mislead both the Assembly and the public regarding the concerns raised by the federation. NSF stated that it had formally submitted a representation to the concerned authorities objecting to the ongoing recruitment process at the institute and recommending corrective measures.
According to the federation, its intervention was necessitated by what it termed “glaring discrepancies” in the recruitment pattern at the institute. It claimed that the present composition of faculty at NIT Nagaland reflected a serious deviation from existing policy, pointing out that only 13.7 per cent of the teaching faculty were indigenous to the state despite provisions for at least 50 per cent representation from the local populace.
In view of this, NSF said it had recommended that the ongoing recruitment process be kept in abeyance until the discrepancies were rectified, stating that the recommendation was made to ensure transparency, policy compliance and equitable opportunities for qualified indigenous candidates.
The federation also expressed concern that even the institute’s canteen was reportedly being operated by non-local individuals outsourced from outside the state. It alleged that this deprived capable local youth and entrepreneurs of opportunities within institutions established in the state.
Further, NSF said it had received numerous complaints from students regarding the academic environment at the institute. According to the federation, some faculty members reportedly do not conduct lectures regularly or communicate effectively in English, causing difficulties for students who are unable to follow lectures delivered in Hindi.
NSF also placed on record that many non-local faculty members view institutions in the state, such as Nagaland University, merely as stepping stones to better opportunities elsewhere. As a result, it said several faculty members reportedly leave midway through academic sessions after securing positions in other institutions, leading to repeated disruptions in the academic calendar and setbacks for students. NSF said this recurring pattern underscores the need to strengthen the presence of qualified indigenous faculty members who are committed to the institution and can ensure long-term stability.
The federation further questioned the extent to which the minister was aware of what it described as administrative lapses in recruitment procedures and the realities faced by students. It cautioned against undermining organisations that raise genuine concerns and urged the government to address the issues.
NSF reiterated its demand for at least 80 per cent indigenous Naga representation in both teaching and non-teaching posts in NIT Nagaland and Nagaland University to ensure meaningful participation and institutional stability.
The federation maintained that its stand was rooted in protecting the academic rights and future of Naga students and affirmed that it would continue to raise its voice against policy deviations, administrative irregularities and systemic neglect affecting institutions in the state.