A recent move by the Nagaland government to regularise 147 Assistant Professors and Librarians serving on a contractual basis in the Higher Education Department has triggered a wave of controversy across the state, raising serious concerns over transparency, meritocracy, and the sanctity of recruitment norms.
The now-withdrawn government order—dated April 8, 2025—was issued by the Chief Secretary, citing approval from the Minister for Higher Education and Tourism. It notified the absorption of contractual faculty “in the interest of public service,” based on an earlier December 2024 notification.
However, the legality of the appointments is under judicial scrutiny, with multiple writ petitions pending since 2022 alleging “backdoor appointments.”
While the move initially found support among some student unions—viewed as a long-overdue recognition of contractual faculty during a time of staff shortages in colleges—others have condemned it as a violation of fair recruitment processes.
The Dimapur Government College Students’ Council, in a letter to the department, welcomed the decision, stating that the regularised teachers had served “with utmost sincerity” and played a vital role in preparing the college for the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP).
“This has happened at a time when the college is going to handle four semesters in a semester,” it noted. Echoing this, the Sao Chang College Students’ Union expressed no objection, citing a decade-long shortage of teachers. The union credited the contractual faculty for helping during the NAAC accreditation process.
The Zunheboto Government College Students’ Union also supported the move, noting that many of the absorbed faculty had served under difficult circumstances for 6–12 years. “They have given their best years for the uplift of the students and the college,” it stated.
The Kohima Science College Students’ Union, Jotsoma, also initially praised the department for addressing chronic faculty shortages.
“Despite receiving a meagre fixed salary, they ensured uninterrupted academic activities and contributed significantly,” the union said. However, it later withdrew its statement, declaring it would neither support nor oppose the issue after “careful consideration.”
Amid these mixed reactions, strong opposition emerged from academic bodies and aspirants preparing for formal recruitment processes. The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) condemned the move, calling it a “serious violation” of the rights of qualified aspirants preparing for the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) exams.
“Such arbitrary appointments undermine the integrity of the education system and rob deserving candidates of fair opportunities,” it stated, warning of democratic agitations if the matter is not addressed.
The Naga Research Scholars’ Forum Shillong (NRSFS) termed the decision a “harsh blow” to deserving candidates, particularly those with NET or PhD qualifications.
It stressed the need for a transparent system “free from backdoor entries, political influence, or favouritism.”
Similarly, the Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF) launched an online poster campaign, calling attention to the “blatant disregard of due process.” One of the posters read:
“The Department of Higher Education, Nagaland, has regularised 147 contractual Assistant Professor posts across all government colleges—raising serious concerns about transparency, fairness, and equal opportunity. We demand justice and accountability.”
Amid mounting pressure, the state government issued a circular on April 10, 2025, stating that the previous notification was “not officially issued” and must be treated as “null and void until further notice.” All principals were directed not to carry out any handing over or taking over of responsibilities based on the rescinded order.
Meanwhile, several aspirants voiced frustration. A candidate from Dimapur called the development “a mockery” of those who have dedicated years preparing for legitimate opportunities.
“It is saddening to see the downfall of the higher education system and the crippling of aspirants’ hopes and dreams,” the aspirant said. A PhD scholar and CESE aspirant added that, in a state with limited government college posts, the regularisation move was not only unjust but “a lasting wound etched into the collective psyche of Naga students.”
While the matter remains sub judice, the issue has reignited broader concerns over systemic weaknesses in recruitment and governance. The incident has brought to the fore deeper questions about fairness, recognition, and the right to equal opportunity in public service—issues that will likely shape the discourse on education policy in the state for months to come.
H&TE deptt retracts Apr 8 notification
Higher and Technical Education department has retracted the notification dated April 8, 2025 regarding posting of assistant professors.
In a circular, chief secretary Dr. J Alam stated that his office had not officially issued the said notification, therefore, the notification shall be considered “null and void” until further order.
Further, all principals, government colleges have been directed not to facilitate handing over and taking over basing on the aforementioned notification.