NSF demands 80% job quota for indigenous Nagas in NU

Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has appealed to Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University (NU) to consider 80% reservation for indigenous Naga candidates of Nagaland in teaching & non-teaching positions.

In a representation to the vice chancellor NU, the NSF president Medovi Rhi and secretary education Temjentoshi asserted that Nagaland University should be a leading institution in promoting local talent and expertise by ensuring at least 80% of teaching and non-teaching positions were reserved for indigenous Nagas of Nagaland state.

Citing “unique constitutional provisions” under Article 371(A), which recognize the rights of the Naga people over their land, resources, and customs, NSF said it was essential that employment opportunities at the university prioritized the local populace.

NSF said one of the major concerns was that non-indigenous staff members often served for short durations before seeking transfers or moving elsewhere, leading to frequent disruptions in the academic environment.

NSF asserted that lack of permanent commitment from such personnel negatively impacts students’ academics, research progress, and administrative efficiency.

In contrast, NSF urged that indigenous staff members remained permanently, ensuring continuity, accountability, and long-term contributions to the university’s growth. The federation maintained that presence of local faculty and administrative staff also ensured that the university functions in alignment with the socio-cultural fabric of Nagaland.

Besides, NSF said many deserving Naga youth, despite being highly qualified, struggle with unemployment. It said that granting them due preference in university recruitments would not only address the issue but also enrich the institution with dedicated professionals who have a long-term commitment to serving the university and its students.

Conduct of interviews through physical verification: NSF has also highlighted the issue of interviews for various faculty at Nagaland University being conducted through virtual modes.

Admitting that online platforms provide accessibility and convenience, the federation, however, said they also pose significant challenges in the fair assessment of candidates. “Conducting interviews virtually poses the risk of unfair evaluation, lack of transparency, and possible malpractice in the selection process,” NSF stated.

In this regard, NSF has urged that all interviews for both teaching and non-teaching positions be conducted in a physical, in-person mode at the university premises.

It stated that credibility of the recruitment process was best upheld through physical interviews, where candidates were assessed in person and documents were verified thoroughly, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s qualifications, communication skills, and overall suitability for the position.