Today, as the nation celebrates Teachers’ Day—honouring the tireless mentors who shape our future—it becomes painfully necessary to turn our attention to a community of educators who have been persistently ignored, disrespected, and denied justice: the RMSA-2016 teachers.
For over nine years, these dedicated educators have faced systemic discrimination, surviving on stagnant wages while the cost of living continues to rise. They are the backbone of secondary education in Nagaland—responsible for nurturing young minds and delivering quality education in some of the most underserved areas—yet they are forced to live in uncertainty, neglected by the very system they serve.
These teachers were recruited through a rigorous and transparent process of written examination and interview, with posts duly sanctioned by the Cabinet, Finance, and P&AR departments.
Yet, instead of receiving pay parity with their counterparts, they were arbitrarily branded “contractual” and have been confined to a fixed wage of rs 31,315—an amount far below what is just and lawful—since 2016.
The injustice is compounded by the fact that, despite the High Court’s clear directive on 16 March 2022—subsequently upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on 20 May 2025—the government has consistently delayed implementation.
To make matters worse, rather than addressing these genuine and legally binding demands, the authorities have resorted to intimidation, even threatening termination. Such actions demean not only the teachers but also the sanctity of our judicial system.
Instead of classrooms, these teachers now find themselves engaged in a phase-wise agitation since 26 August 2025—to claim what is rightfully theirs. Their struggle has already paralyzed 133 educational institutions across Nagaland. Is this the reward we offer those entrusted with shaping our children’s future?
As a society and as citizens of a democracy, we must ask ourselves:
Is it fair for teachers to survive on the same wage for nearly a decade while inflation erodes their quality of life?
How can we expect excellence in education when our educators are demoralized, overburdened, and struggling to survive?
What lesson are we teaching our students when their teachers—symbols of wisdom and respect—are treated with such disregard?
This is not merely about salaries. It is a matter of justice, dignity, and the values we claim to uphold as a nation. RMSA-2016 teachers should be in classrooms, guiding the next generation—not wasting their energy on prolonged legal battles with the State. Their fight for rightful dues is, in truth, a fight for the Soul of our education system.
As a concerned citizen and a grateful beneficiary of our teachers’ dedication, I raise my voice on behalf of these unsung heroes and demand:
- Immediate implementation of fair and equitable pay for all RMSA-2016 teachers, as mandated by the courts.
- Release of salary arrears dating back to their appointment in 2016.
- Reimbursement or financial support for legal expenses borne by teachers during their long struggle for justice.
- Respect, recognition, and dignity for the service and sacrifices of RMSA teachers, many of whom have held the system together against all odds.
Let this Teachers’ Day not be reduced to symbolic gestures and speeches. Let it be a turning point—a moment when we choose not to fail those who have never failed our children.
The time to act is now. Let us stand by our teachers—because when they are forced to fight, who will teach the children? And if the rule of law does not protect our teachers, what hope remains for the rest of us?
By Sen La
Nagaland