DNSU Press Conference: Concerns Over Faculty Regularisation
DNSU members addressed a press conference. The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) raised serious concerns over the transparency and fairness of the state government’s decision to regularise 147 contractual assistant professors and librarians in the Higher Education department.
The union highlighted the issue during a press conference held at its office on Tuesday.
DNSU Asst. General Secretary, Rukewezo Wetsah, revealed that an RTI confirmed 144 contractual posts were absorbed on December 18, 2024, from appointments made between January 30, 2015, and February 18, 2020. DNSU urged the state government to adhere to the constitutionally mandated recruitment process through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC). The union pointed out that the absorption violated the state Cabinet decision dated June 6, 2016, which banned the regularisation of contractual employees.
DNSU criticized the Cabinet’s decision on February 8, 2024, which approved the policy for regularising contract staff, stating it undermined the constitutional right to equal opportunity in public employment.
Broader Implications and Past Irregularities
DNSU General Secretary, Michael Kath, noted that similar backdoor regularisations had occurred in the past across several departments.
“DNSU has taken up this issue not just for Dimapur, but in the interest of all Nagas,” he said. “that appointments must follow due process to uphold justice, fairness, and transparency”. DNSU further clarifies that it was not questioning the qualifications of the appointees, but the bypassing of NPSC recruitment procedures.
DNSU Education Secretary, Kevin Gonmei, emphasized that the issue was a matter of public concern, not just a student union issue. He said that corruption is pervasive across sectors and called for a collective stand to confront such systemic flaws.
RTI Findings and Discrepancies
DNSU President, Hinoto Aomi, revealed that while the RTI confirmed 144 names, the Higher Education department issued a transfer and posting order on April 8, 2025, which included 147 individuals. The additional three names appeared to be part of routine transfers. Aomi reiterated that DNSU took the initiative to present verified data, inviting public scrutiny.
Legal Action and Cabinet Decisions
Aomi admitted the chances of success for legal action were low since the regularisation had Cabinet, NPSC, and Governor’s clearance. He insisted that “if the Cabinet’s decision is not of the people, by the people, and for the people, then it must be changed.”
Coordination with Naga Students’ Federation (NSF). Aomi confirmed that the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) had also raised the issue. And DNSU will now coordinate with NSF on future action.
Response to Criticism and College Support
Addressing criticism from certain college unions, Aomi clarified that DNSU had no intention of undermining student councils under Dimapur or the All-Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU). He urged the media to interview colleges that supported the absorption, questioning whether students who supported the decision were under pressure from faculty or administrators.
Government’s Role and Proposed Solutions
On the government’s role, Aomi confirmed that DNSU had a respectful and candid discussion with the Minister for Higher Education & Tourism, Temjen Imna Along. DNSU proposed that age relaxation be granted to long-serving assistant professors who are now overage, allowing them to appear for NPSC exams.
Aomi cited the original terms of appointment, which stated that the contractual engagement was valid for one year or until finalisation of NPSC recruitment.
DNSU maintained that its focus was on the broader recruitment mechanism, especially the role of NPSC, which affects youth across the state. Aomi appealed to the public to move beyond outdated practices, stating that such backdoor appointments were “killing thousands of dreams. DNSU emphasized that meaningful change must start with individuals. The union also stated that the government, if sincere, should resolve the issue by strictly following established procedures.