Kohima, February 27: With no positive response from the authorities, the Nagaland Government Teachers’ Association (NGTA) has announced an intensification of its ongoing protest. The agitating 2010 and 2013 batches will stage a fresh demonstration on March 2 at Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima.
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| Members of the Nagaland Government Teachers’ Association gather in Kohima amid ongoing protests over salary placement demands. |
The teachers have been protesting outside the Directorate of School Education since February 26, demanding inclusion of their salary components under the State’s Non-Development Expenditure head.
A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen was held on February 26 to deliberate on the issue. The meeting was attended by officials from the School Education Department, Finance Department, Mission Director of Samagra Shiksha, Director of School Education, and representatives from the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation (ENSF).
During the meeting, student bodies expressed concern over the impact of the agitation on classroom learning and urged the government to resolve the matter in the interest of students.
The School Education Department clarified that the agitating teachers were originally recruited under Centrally Sponsored Schemes - SSA and RMSA - and were mainstreamed into the State cadre in 2022 following Cabinet approval. Officials stated that the teachers are educationally qualified, receive 7th Revision of Pay (ROP) benefits, and are governed by rules applicable to regular State Government employees.
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The Finance Department explained that while a major portion of the salary expenditure is borne by the State, a part continues to be supported by the Government of India under Samagra Shiksha. In 2024–25, the central support amounted to approximately ₹78 crore. It further cautioned that shifting the entire salary component to the Non-Plan head could result in the State losing around ₹80 crore annually in central assistance.
Chief Secretary Imchen observed that although the teachers are entitled to benefits as regular employees following Cabinet approval, the salary structure will not be fully placed under the Non-Plan head as long as the central share continues under the Samagra Shiksha framework. He assured that the State Government will take necessary steps to ensure regular payment of salaries.
