Aizawl: A wave of student-led protests swept through Aizawl on Monday as members of the Mizo Students’ Union (MSU) demanded the immediate termination of college teachers who have continued in service for over a decade without meeting the required qualifications.
Hundreds of students marched nearly two kilometres from Vanapa Hall to the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education in Zarkawt, calling for accountability in academic recruitment and an end to what they described as the government’s tolerance of unqualified part-time faculty.
Many of the teachers in question have reportedly been serving in various institutions for periods ranging from 8 to 17 years.
According to officials, the state government has already issued show-cause notices to the teachers concerned, asking them to respond within 15 days.
Protesters were assured during the rally that any teachers found non-compliant would be dismissed within five days after the response period concludes.
MSU president B. Lalkhawngaihzuala, addressing the crowd, criticised the continued employment of teachers lacking credentials such as the National Eligibility Test (NET), Mizoram Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET), or a PhD.
He insisted that extending their service any further would only jeopardise the future of students and lower academic standards in the state.
State Higher and Technical Education Minister Dr. Vanlalthlana responded to the controversy, clarifying that the current government, led by the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), had not hired any unqualified individuals.
He said the part-time appointments in question were made between 2008 and 2017 under the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) and Congress administrations through the Mizoram Public Service Commission (MPSC).
Show-cause notices have reportedly been sent to faculty members of general colleges, Mizoram Law College, and Mizoram Polytechnic in Lunglei.
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The minister also revealed that more than 100 muster roll teachers who have not yet cleared the MTET have been given a final opportunity to do so this year.
The MNF government had previously extended the deadline for those teachers to pass the eligibility test by 2024.
Vanlalthlana affirmed that the current administration is committed to ensuring qualified professionals are placed in the education sector, without compromising on standards or student welfare.
No untoward incidents were reported during the peaceful rally, and police confirmed that the situation remained under control throughout the demonstration.
