RMSA 2016 batch teachers begin indefinite protest

Nagaland RMSA Teachers’ Association (NRMSATA) 2016 batch launched an indefinite sit-in protest outside the Directorate of School Education (DoSE), here on Monday demanding implementation of scale pay in accordance with court orders.
NRMSATA 2016 warned that it would resort to hunger strike if the government failed to respond positively. According to the association, the protest was being held in view of the state government’s failure to implement the pay scale despite a Gauhati High Court judgement in their favour, which was later upheld by the Supreme Court. The teachers reiterated their long-standing demand for implementation of pay scale as directed by the court.
NRMSATA 2016 president, Imlitemjen, informed that the members had held two rounds of meetings on September 2 and September 3 with officials of the department and with Advisor school education. However, he said no conclusive outcome emerged from the discussions. He informed that the association had earlier kept its September 5 agitation in abeyance, but due to lack of any development from the government’s side, it resolved to begin its indefinite protest from September 8.
NRMSATA 2016 spokesperson, Renbemo L. Patton, stated that the government had not followed the guidelines of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). He pointed out that RMSA teachers were to be appointed on a regular basis on a par with state cadre.
Patton reiterated that the Gauhati High Court had ruled in their favour in 2022 and the verdict was upheld by the Supreme Court.
The spokesperson further informed that necessary documentation had already been completed, including clearances from the P&AR and finance departments, and approval from the state cabinet. “It is time for the government to implement our rightful demand. We have waited for such a long period of time—9 years and 7 months to be precise. Without any further delay we request the government to implement the scale pay at the earliest possible,” he said.
On the review petition filed by the government, Patton clarified that it had not been accepted by the court. He pointed out that since no stay order had been issued, the judgement passed by the High Court remained in force.
NRMSATA 2016 warned that the agitation would intensify if the government continued to delay. “Until and unless we get a positive response from the government, we will go to any extent. We will go ahead with a hunger strike if the government does not come up with any positive results,” NRMSATA 2016 spokesperson cautioned.
Stating that the teachers were mindful of their responsibilities towards students, Patton said As responsible teachers we sincerely care about the students.” He said aggrieved teachers had no intention of sitting outside DoSE at this juncture. “All of us are eager to return to our schools and be in the midst of our students, but if justice and rights are denied to us, we have no other choice but to demand what is right,” he added.
It may be noted that RMSA 2016 batch teachers comprise 367 members, posted across 133 government high schools in 17 districts of Nagaland.