Expressing solidary with the Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU) and the Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF), the Naga Research Scholars’ Forum Shillong (NRSFS) has strongly condemned the biased appointments of Assistant Professors in the Higher Education Department in Nagaland.
“The standard of education cannot and must not be compromised for personal or political gain,” stated the Forum.
It expressed deep concern over the recent appointments of Assistant Professors in the Higher Education Department without adhering to the proper protocol and due procedure under the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC).
The Forum drew attention to a report in the Nagaland Post on January 19, 2025, in an article titled “Nagaland NET Qualified Forum on Contractual Assistant Professors”, where the Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF) emphasized that the appointments were made by bypassing the Common Educational Services Examination (CESE), which mandates that candidates possess NET/PhD qualifications, clear a written examination, and undergo an interview with a panel of experts.
“The recruitment of candidates to these posts without subjecting them to the mandated NPSC process is a harsh blow to the aspirations of dedicated and deserving candidates who have tirelessly committed themselves to academic excellence. Such actions compromise not only the credibility of our education system but also the future of the Naga youth. This is a clear disregard and disservice to the hardworking scholars or aspiring educators who have invested years building their qualifications,” remarked the NRSFS.
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It asserted that the academic community deserves a recruitment system that recognizes qualifications, upholds fairness and is free from backdoor entries, political influence or favoritism.
“What future can we expect for the education system in Nagaland if qualified and committed individuals are denied the opportunity to impart knowledge, while unqualified and undeserving candidates — lacking the necessary academic credentials — occupy their rightful places? If this trend continues, the future of education in Nagaland looks dark and uncertain,” the Forum also questioned.
Echoing the thoughts and concerns of the NNQF and DNSU, the NRSFS urged the state government to immediately address the injustice and restore the integrity of the recruitment process. It demanded that the appointments made in violation be revoked immediately and that a thorough investigation be initiated to identify and hold accountable those responsible.
