The Sangtam Students’ Union Kohima (SSUK) has expressed deep concern and strong opposition to the recent move made by the Higher and Technical Education Department, Nagaland to absorb 147 Assistant Professors/ Librarian across all government colleges without conducting any formal recruitment examination or adherence to merit-based procedures.
A press release by SSUK president Longtili C Sangtam and general secretary Herila Sangtam stated that the SSUK was dismayed by this arbitrary decision which undermines the principles of equal opportunities in public employment which was enshrines in Article 16 of the Indian Constitution.
The Union was particularly disturbed by lack of transparency and due process in the decision, that compromises transparency, meritocracy, equal opportunity- the core principles that must govern all public appointments.
The current absorption bypasses these essential safeguards, leaving thousands of qualified candidates disempowered. The union believed that appointment to such critical academic position must be made through the NPSC via open competitive examination, ensuring meritocracy and accountability.
“The education sector must not become a playground for favoritism and backdoor policies”, it stated. SSUK stands in solidarity and extended firm support to Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN), Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF) and other concerned individuals and organizations in their rightful agitation towards the decision made by the Government of Nagaland.
The SSUK urged the Government of Nagaland to immediately revoke this decision and initiate a proper recruitment process for all Assistant Professor/Librarian posts.
They further called upon other student unions, civil society organizations and conscientious citizen to stand united against such regressive policies that threatens the integrity of the education system.