The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has voiced significant alarm over widespread irregularities plaguing government appointments and recruitment across Nagaland’s state departments. The student body contends that these improper practices are jeopardizing the futures of deserving Naga youth.
Illegal Appointments Under Scrutiny
During a press briefing at their Kohima office on Thursday, NSF officials highlighted the “rampant backdoor appointments” prevalent in numerous departments. They called for the immediate dismissal of all individuals appointed through irregular channels and insisted that all vacant government positions be filled through the established Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB).
In a letter submitted to the chief secretary on April 10, the NSF detailed irregularities spanning 17 departments, particularly focusing on positions at Pay Level 3 and above. Pithungo Shitio, the NSF’s information and publicity secretary, stated that their RTI Campaign 2024 had uncovered nearly 100 instances of backdoor appointments.
Shitio alleged that these appointments violated the state government’s 2019 recruitment ban on Group-C posts, a measure intended to ensure all such positions were filled via the NSSB. The NSF asserted that many departments circumvented proper procedures by hiring individuals without public advertisement or involving designated recruiting agencies, thereby undermining transparency and fairness.
The NSF has demanded the termination of all illegal appointees in Group A, B, and C categories recruited after the 2019 ban within one month. They have also requested the government to provide copies of the termination orders within this timeframe. The federation warned that failure to comply would lead to democratic protests.
Furthermore, the NSF cautioned against similar irregular practices in some public sector undertakings (PSUs) and urged all departments to adhere strictly to proper recruitment protocols to avoid confrontation with the student community.
Objection to Regularisation of Contractual Teachers
NSF vice-president Mtaisuding expressed strong disapproval of the government’s decision to regularise 147 contractual assistant professors, labeling it a betrayal of public trust.
He stated that the federation had submitted a representation to the chief secretary on April 14, demanding a reversal of the cabinet decision issued on December 17, 2024. Mtaisuding noted that despite earlier assurances from the concerned minister that the matter would be put on hold, the government proceeded with the regularisation.
Shitio further alleged bad faith on the part of the department during the regularisation process, dismissing the “emotional justifications” offered by officials. While clarifying that the NSF was not seeking the termination of the contractual teachers, he emphasized that their appointments were conditional and subject to review, thus they should not be regularised.
The NSF vowed to continue pursuing this issue and warned of further action if their demands were not addressed.
Condemnation of School Bullying Incident
The NSF also strongly condemned the alleged school bullying incident at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School in Kohima, which reportedly occurred on February 20, 2025.
NSF general secretary Chumben Khuvung stated that although no formal complaint had been filed with the federation, they visited the school and met with the involved parties. An FIR has been registered, and the NSF has urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation.
Khuvung revealed that the victim is currently receiving treatment in a Guwahati hospital and is expected to undergo further surgery. The NSF called upon schools to cultivate a safe environment and implement preventive measures against bullying.
Concerns over NU Recruitment and Misconduct Allegations
Regarding the alleged assault by Prof. Sarat Chandra of Nagaland University (NU), Lumami campus, the NSF demanded his immediate termination, even as the matter is currently sub judice.
Shitio criticized the vice-chancellor’s inaction and raised serious concerns about the university’s recruitment process. He alleged that online interviews had led to the selection of less deserving non-Naga candidates, marginalizing local aspirants.
The NSF advocated for a return to physical interviews for faculty recruitment and called for reservations for Nagas in faculty positions, claiming that 95% of recent hires were non-Nagas.
Demand for Action in Sexual Harassment Case
The federation also expressed concern over the ongoing investigation against IAS officer Reny Wilfred, who has been accused of sexual harassment by multiple women employees.
The NSF demanded Wilfred’s suspension to prevent potential interference in the investigation and called for the public release of the Special Investigation Team’s findings. A representation was submitted to the chief secretary on April 15, urging the government to relieve Wilfred of all influential positions until the investigation concludes.
While acknowledging the sub judice nature of the case, the NSF emphasized that administrative actions such as suspension are crucial in such circumstances. It also appealed to the public to support the victims and ensure that justice is served.