Systemic Issues and Betrayed Aspirations
The controversy surrounding the regularization of 147 Assistant Professors in Nagaland has highlighted the consequences of inadequate policy planning and persistent delays in the recruitment process. A decision by the State Cabinet on September 11, 2024, formalized through a notification on December 17, 2024, approved the absorption of fixed-pay Assistant Professors and Librarians as a one-time measure. This move has been met with significant criticism from job aspirants and student organizations. They argue that absorbing contractual faculty without open competitive examinations violates the norms set by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and fundamental constitutional principles. Concerns have also been raised regarding the transparency and fairness of public sector recruitment.
Failure of Timely Recruitment
The core of the issue lies in the government’s long-standing failure to conduct timely recruitment through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC). Many of the faculty members being absorbed have served for extended periods on contractual terms due to staff shortages in government colleges. The lack of regular recruitment notifications has resulted in a situation where some contractual teachers have exceeded the age limit for entry through standard procedures.
Student Organizations’ Consistent Opposition
Opposition to such absorption practices is not new. The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and other student bodies have consistently objected to “backdoor” regularization, asserting that it undermines merit-based recruitment and harms the prospects of qualified candidates awaiting official advertisements. Student organizations and aspirants continue to oppose the “absorption,” indicating the government’s difficult position.
Protests and Ultimatum by Concerned Associations
The Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and the Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF) have announced a protest outside the Directorate of Higher Education starting April 16, 2025, following an unmet ultimatum. They demand compliance with their demands, failing which the protests will continue. Meshenlo Kath, Convenor of CTAN, affirmed their democratic right to protest after following due process without a positive response from authorities.
Support from Nagaland University Research Scholars’ Forum
The Nagaland University Research Scholars’ Forum (Lumami) has also declared its support for the protest, with both executives and members planning to participate.
Strong Condemnation from Lotha Students’ Union
The Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) issued a strong statement, denouncing the absorption as a “deliberate assault on justice, meritocracy, and the aspirations of an entire generation of educated Nagas.” The LSU emphasized that contractual appointments are temporary and should not be used for securing permanent positions without public inspection or fairness, calling it a “gross abuse of power” and a “betrayal” of hardworking youth in Nagaland. They argued that such behind-closed-doors appointments erode public trust and suggest that “merit is negotiable and privilege rules.”
The government faces a challenging situation. Terminating the services of the 147 absorbed faculty could disrupt the functioning of many colleges due to existing staff shortages. However, proceeding with the absorption risks alienating a generation of job seekers who feel unfairly overlooked.
Similar Issues in Other Departments
This controversy is not isolated, with similar administrative delays affecting the regularization of COVID-19 contract doctors in the Department of Health and Family Welfare, where pending legal matters are cited despite personnel shortages. This indicates a broader issue of policy paralysis.
Consequences of Administrative Lapses
The regularization row has exposed the consequences of administrative delays and a lack of foresight in manpower planning. Timely advertisement and recruitment could have prevented the current situation. Such lapses risk increasing public distrust in state institutions.
The state government’s failure to establish timely and transparent recruitment frameworks has left both contractual employees and aspiring candidates feeling aggrieved. Addressing the gaps in recruitment policy and decision-making is crucial to restore public trust and ensure fairness in government appointments.