In support of meritocracy and equal opportunity, the Ao Students’ Union Dimapur (ASUD) and Sangtam Students’ Union Kohima (SSUK) have demanded the immediate revocation of the Department of Higher and Technical Education regularisation of 147 contractual assistant professors and librarians..

“This action is not only a blatant violation of established norms but also a direct betrayal of thousands of deserving candidates who have been waiting for a fair recruitment process through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC). Such irresponsible and opaque decision-making erodes trust in our government institutions. It tramples upon the principles of equal opportunity and merit-based selection, effectively shutting out competent and qualified individuals who have dedicated years preparing for these positions. Furthermore, disregarding UGC and constitutional mandates in this manner reflects poorly on governance and accountability,” stated the ASUD in a press release issued on April 16.

For years, aspiring educators have been waiting for official recruitment notifications-only to be denied their rightful chance while ad-hoc faculty are handed permanent positions without open competition. This is an insult to the intelligence and aspirations of Nagaland’s youth. The government has chosen favouritism over fairness, secrecy over transparency, and mediocrity over excellence.

Demanding for the immediate revocation of the unjust regularisation order, the ASUD insisted that the government uphold the integrity of its institutions by initiating a fair and open recruitment process through the NPSC. “The future of higher education in Nagaland depends on competent educators, not political appeasement or backdoor appointments. We stand firmly with student bodies, job aspirants, and civil society in rejecting this flawed policy and demanding corrective action without delay. We will not allow injustice to be normalized Nagaland deserves better,” asserted the Union.
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Expressing similar sentiments, the Sangtam Students’ Union Kohima (SSUK) stated that the arbitrary decision undermines the principles of equal opportunities in public employment enshrined in Article 16 of the Indian Constitution.

“The Union is 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. We strongly 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,” maintained the SSUK.

Extending solidarity and firm support to the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN), Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF) and other concerned individuals and organizations in their rightful agitation, the Union urged the Government of Nagaland to immediately revoke its decision and initiate proper recruitment process for all Asst. Professor/ Librarian posts. It further called upon other student unions, civil society organization and conscientious citizen to stand united against such regressive policies that threatens the integrity of the education system.