The Sao Chang College Students’ Union (SCCSU) has withdrawn its previous letter supporting the absorption of contractual assistant professors into regular service.
Addressing a press conference held on April 24 in Tuensang, Hanchila General Secretary and other officials informed that student leaders were pressured to sign what was presented as a mere “acknowledgement letter.” The Union claimed that a group of contractual professors, told them the letter was procedural and that their signatures were necessary for completing the formalities of regularisation granted by the government.
“They told us this was just an acknowledgement. But when we studied the content, it was clearly more than that. We were also threatened that anyone who went against the letter would be seriously dealt with by the government. This was told to us on April 9,” claimed Hanchila.
The original letter, dated April 1” and addressed to the Ex-Officio Director of the Department of Higher Education, cited unconditional support for the regularisation of contractual teachers by the college. It also mentioned the shortage of staff and the significant contributions of contract assistant professors to the institution’s progress, including during the NAAC accreditation process.
However, the union issued a withdrawal letter on April 22, stating that the April 10 communication should be treated as “null and void.” According to SCCSU leaders, the earlier letter was signed under “misleading pretences and in a climate of coercion”.
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The union also addressed recent claims made by the Congress party, which has allegedly taken credit for facilitating college buses and road maintenance. The SCCSU denied these claims, stating that these initiatives were spearheaded by the student community and later supported by the apex body, the Chang Wedoshi Setshang (CWS).
“Whatever they’re saying is not true. The efforts to secure buses and road improvements came from us students first, and the CWS supported us. No political representatives were involved directly,” asserted the SCCSU.
“Our focus is the welfare of students. Faculty appointments are the domain of the government. We acted in good faith, but we now believe we were misled. By withdrawing the letter, we reaffirm our position,” affirmed the Union stating that it will maintain a neutral stance on administrative matters beyond the student body’s jurisdiction, particularly those involving government policy and employment.
The SCCSU expressed hope that its decision will set a precedent for student bodies to critically evaluate their involvement in policy matters, ensuring their voices are neither misused nor manipulated.
“We are here to serve the student community, not to be used as pawns,” expressed the Union.
