The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has urged Nagaland University to reserve 80% of teaching and non-teaching positions for indigenous Nagas, citing concerns over employment stability and local representation at the institution. In a letter to Vice Chancellor Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik, the NSF highlighted that frequent transfers of non-indigenous staff disrupt academic continuity. “Non-indigenous staff members often serve for short durations before seeking transfers, leading to instability in the academic environment,” the letter stated.
The federation argued that the demand aligns with Article 371(A) of the Constitution, which safeguards Naga rights over land, resources, and customs. It stressed that many qualified Naga youth remain unemployed despite possessing the necessary credentials. Additionally, the NSF called for an end to virtual interviews for faculty recruitment, emphasizing concerns over fairness, transparency, and the risk of malpractice. “Selection processes should be held in person at the university premises to ensure credibility,” the federation insisted.
Warning that it will remain vigilant in all recruitment processes, the NSF, represented by President Medovi Rhi and Education Secretary Temjentoshi, asserted that hiring local faculty would enhance academic stability while preserving Nagaland’s socio-cultural identity.
