Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed serious concern over widespread irregularities in government appointments and recruitment processes across various state departments, alleging that such practices have been adversely affecting the future of deserving Naga youth.
Backdoor appointments: Addressing the media at NSF office here on Thursday, the NSF office bearers flagged “rampant backdoor appointments” in several departments and called for the immediate termination of all illegal appointees. They also demanded that all vacant posts be filled through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB).
In a letter submitted to the chief secretary on April 10, the NSF highlighted irregularities in 17 departments, particularly at Pay Level 3 and above. NSF information and publicity secretary Pithungo Shitio claimed that nearly 100 cases of backdoor appointments had been unearthed during their RTI Campaign 2024.
He alleged that these appointments were made in violation of the state government’s recruitment ban on Group-C posts, which was introduced in 2019 to ensure that all such posts are routed through NSSB.
The NSF said many departments bypassed proper procedures by recruiting individuals without public advertisement or using designated recruiting agencies, undermining the principles of transparency and fairness.
NSF demanded that all illegal appointees in Group A, B, and C categories recruited after the 2019 ban be terminated within one month and asked the government to furnish copies of termination orders within that period. It warned that failure to act would compel the federation to resort to democratic forms of protest.
NSF also cautioned against similar irregular practices in some public sector undertakings (PSUs) and urged all departments to avoid any confrontation with the student community by adhering strictly to proper recruitment protocols.
Regularisation of contractual teachers: NSF vice-president Mtaisuding expressed strong dissatisfaction over the government’s decision to regularise 147 contractual assistant professors, describing it as a betrayal of public trust.
He said the federation had submitted a representation to the chief secretary on April 14, demanding a rollback of the cabinet decision issued on December 17, 2024. Mtaisuding said that despite earlier assurances by the concerned minister that the matter would be kept in abeyance, the government proceeded with regularisation.
Shitio also alleged that the department had acted in bad faith during the regularisation process and rejected the “emotional justifications” provided by officials. While clarifying that the federation was not seeking the termination of the contractual teachers, the NSF maintained that their appointments were conditional and subject to review, and therefore, they should not be regularised.
He said the federation would continue to pursue the matter and warned of further action if their demands were not addressed.
School bullying case: The NSF also condemned the alleged school bullying incident at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Kohima, which occurred on February 20, 2025.
NSF general secretary Chumben Khuvung said that although no formal complaint had been submitted, the federation visited the school and met with both parties involved. An FIR was filed, and the federation has urged law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation.
Khuvung revealed that the victim is currently undergoing treatment in a Guwahati hospital and is expected to undergo another surgery. The NSF urged schools to create a safe environment and adopt preventive measures against bullying.
NU recruitment and misconduct issue: Regarding the alleged assault by Prof. Sarat Chandra of Nagaland University (NU), Lumami campus, the NSF called for his immediate termination, even as the matter remains sub judice.
Shitio criticised the vice-chancellor’s inaction and expressed serious concerns about the university’s recruitment process. He alleged that online interviews had led to the selection of less deserving non-Naga candidates, sidelining local aspirants.
The NSF demanded that faculty recruitment return to physical interviews and advocated for reservations for Nagas in faculty positions, claiming that 95% of recent hires were non-Nagas.
Sexual harassment case: The federation also raised concern over the ongoing investigation against IAS officer Reny Wilfred, who has been accused of sexual harassment by multiple women employees.
The NSF demanded Wilfred’s suspension to prevent interference in the probe and called for the findings of the Special Investigation Team to be made public. A representation was submitted to the chief secretary on April 15, urging the government to relieve Wilfred of all positions of influence until the investigation concludes.
While acknowledging the sub judice nature of the case, the NSF stressed that administrative actions such as suspension are essential in such circumstances. It also appealed to the public to support the victims and ensure justice is upheld.