Kohima: The Nagaland RMSA 2016 Batch Teachers Association (NRMSATA-2016) has issued an ultimatum to the state government, demanding immediate implementation of the Supreme Court’s order on regular scale pay, along with the release of pending salaries, arrears and full recognition of service benefits.
The association said this was a clear case of discrimination, as teachers from earlier Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan batches between 2010 and 2013 had already been granted the same benefits.
Addressing a press conference in Kohima, the members warned that they would begin a democratic agitation if their demands were not met by August 25, starting with a pen-down strike from August 26.
“We do not want to agitate, but the government’s silence despite clear judicial orders is deeply disappointing,” the association stated.
The Supreme Court on May 20 this year upheld a Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench order passed on March 16, 2022, which directed the Nagaland government to grant the 2016 batch RMSA teachers a scale pay of Rs. 9,300–34,800 with grade pay of Rs. 4,200, along with annual increments.
The association reminded that 610 graduate teachers were recruited in 2016 through written and viva examinations, for posts that had been created and approved by the Finance Department, P&AR and the State Cabinet in 2015.
However, when appointment orders were issued in February 2016, they were placed on a fixed pay of Rs. 31,015 without any official explanation.
Adding to their grievances, the teachers claimed that they have not received their salaries since April 2025, even as they continued to perform their duties.
They alleged that the government’s continued non-compliance with judicial orders amounts to contempt of court and reflects complete disregard for the dignity and rights of teachers who have faithfully served the state for almost a decade.
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In its ultimatum submitted to the State Mission Director of Samagra Shiksha on August 13, the association reiterated its demand for implementation of the ROP 2017 scale pay in line with SSA-RMSA 2010–13 teachers, counting of salary and service benefits from the date of appointment in 2016, and clearance of all arrears.
The teachers warned that if the government fails to respond positively within the stipulated time, they will resort to democratic agitation, including peaceful protests and media engagement, beginning August 26.
NRMSATA-2016 president Imlitemjen, advisor Vinoto Achumi and spokesperson Renbemo L. Patton, along with other members, were present at the press conference.
