The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has strongly objected to the statement made by Higher Education Minister, Temjen Imna Along in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly regarding alleged interference by certain organizations in matters relating to the National Institute of Technology Nagaland.
In a statement, the federation said that if the Minister’s remarks were directed at the NSF, it would like to “unequivocally assert that we claim full responsibility for raising these concerns in the larger interest of the Naga people and the student community.”
The Federation expressed deep displeasure that the Minister had presented what it termed as “half information” on the floor of the Assembly, alleging that such remarks could mislead both the House and the public about the genuine concerns raised by the student body.
According to the NSF, it had formally submitted a representation to the concerned authorities objecting to the ongoing recruitment process at NIT Nagaland and recommending corrective measures. The intervention, it said, became necessary due to what it described as “glaring discrepancies in the recruitment pattern” of the institution.
The Federation pointed out that the present composition of the faculty at NIT Nagaland shows a serious deviation from the existing policy, claiming that only 13.7 percent of the teaching faculty are indigenous to the state, despite provisions stipulating that at least 50 percent representation should be from the local population.
Citing this discrepancy, the NSF stated that it had recommended keeping the ongoing recruitment process in abeyance until the issue is rectified, adding that the demand was made to ensure transparency, policy compliance and equitable opportunities for qualified indigenous candidates.
The Federation further expressed concern that even the Institute Canteen is being operated by non-local individuals, outsourced from outside of the state to specifically cater to the majority of the faculty who are non-indigenous, while capable local youth and entrepreneurs remain deprived of opportunities within institutions established in the state.
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The NSF also claimed to have received multiple complaints from students regarding the academic environment within the institute. It alleged that some faculty members reportedly do not conduct lectures regularly or are unable to communicate effectively in English, which has created difficulties for students who are unable to comprehend lectures delivered in Hindi.
In this context, the Federation questioned how well the Minister is acquainted with the administrative lapses in the recruitment procedures at NIT Nagaland and the challenges faced by students from the state. It maintained that instead of discrediting organizations that raise legitimate issues, the government should recognize that Nagas are increasingly being placed at a disadvantage due to procedural negligence.
The Federation said that it had recommended remedial rectifications precisely because such discrepancies have placed the Nagas at a “the losing end” and warned that the issue would have long-term implications for the future trajectory of the institution.
It further cautioned the Minister against standing in the way of what it termed legitimate Naga interests or attempting to undermine corrective measures for short-term convenience. Public institutions in the state, it said, must not become spaces where the indigenous population is systematically sidelined.
Reiterating its demand, the NSF called for at least 80 percent indigenous Naga representation in both teaching and non-teaching positions at NIT Nagaland and Nagaland University to ensure meaningful participation, institutional accountability and long-term stability.
The NSF also claimed that several non-local faculty members treat institutions in the state such as Nagaland University, merely as stepping stones for better opportunities elsewhere, resulting in faculty leaving mid-way during academic sessions after securing positions in other institutions. Such developments, it said, lead to repeated disruptions in the academic calendar and setbacks for students.
Reaffirming its position, the NSF said its stand is rooted in defending the academic rights and future of Naga students and asserted that it would continue to raise its voice against any deviation from policy, administrative irregularity or systemic neglect that undermines the rightful interests of the Naga people in institutions established within the state.
