Kohima: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has strongly opposed the Nagaland Cabinet’s decision to regularize 147 contractual assistant professors and librarians, demanding its immediate withdrawal. In a letter to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the NSF condemned the move as a violation of fair recruitment practices and a setback for qualified candidates.
The Cabinet’s approval on April 8 aimed to absorb these faculty members into permanent roles across government colleges, citing public interest. However, the decision faced swift backlash, leading to its retraction on April 10, with the government declaring the order “null and void” pending further review. The NSF argues that the regularization bypasses merit-based processes, undermining the aspirations of NET and PhD holders preparing for competitive exams like the Common Educational Services Examination.
The federation criticized the lack of transparency in the initial appointments, alleging they were made without public advertisements or adherence to University Grants Commission norms. NSF President Vikehielie Victor Vitsu and General Secretary Keleseho Joseph Lasuh urged the state to prioritize open recruitment through the Nagaland Public Service Commission to ensure fairness.
The controversy has fueled broader concerns about recruitment integrity in Nagaland’s higher education sector. The NSF has vowed to continue advocating for equitable opportunities, warning that such decisions threaten the future of the state’s academic system.
