The Nagaland government has moved to address the long-standing grievances of the RMSA 2016 batch teachers by forming a high-level committee to examine their demands for proper pay scale implementation. The decision came after a crucial meeting held on September 18, signalling the state’s intent to break the impasse that has disrupted normal academic activities in schools. The meeting was chaired by Abhijit Sinha, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Home Commissioner, and was attended by senior officials from the School Education Department, Samagra Shiksha, Finance, Law & Justice, along with representatives of the agitating RMSA 2016 teachers. Members of the All Nagaland School Teachers’ Association (ANSTA) were also present.
During the discussions, the government acknowledged the concerns raised by the teachers but pointed to the ongoing review petition in the Supreme Court as a major hurdle in implementing the pay scale at present. Sinha underlined the importance of balancing the teachers’ legitimate demands with the larger interests of students, urging the agitating group not to prolong their agitation as it could affect the academic calendar. As a way forward, the government proposed the formation of a joint committee consisting of officials, ANSTA representatives, and members of the RMSA 2016 batch. This committee will closely study the teachers’ demands, explore feasible solutions, and submit recommendations to the state leadership.
Officials further assured that the memorandum submitted by the RMSA 2016 teachers would be forwarded to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his consideration. They appealed to the agitating teachers to suspend their strike and return to classrooms in the interest of students’ education.The RMSA 2016 teachers, who have been pressing for the regularisation of their services and parity in pay scales with their counterparts, welcomed the move to set up the committee but expressed that they would continue to closely monitor the government’s sincerity in addressing their concerns.
