At Nagaland University, the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has vehemently advocated for 80% of positions to be reserved for native Naga students. The student body, which claims that unemployment is rising and that Naga students are underrepresented among university employees, has warned of massive agitations if their demands are not addressed.
"We won't retreat until our demands are met," asserted the NSF president to the reporter of The Telegraph. "The university must create job opportunities for indigenous Naga students, not letting them lag on their land."
According to reports of the Telegraph, the NSF has maintained that giving priority to Naga students in recruitment and appointments is necessary not just for the curbing of unemployment but also for the maintenance of Naga culture and traditions. The federation has also accused the university of following hiring policies that favor outsiders at the expense of local students, resulting in less job opportunities for Nagas.
The management of Nagaland University has not yet formally responded to the NSF's requests. However, reports claim that university representatives are open to working with the student body to find a solution. It's uncertain if the government would consent to an employment quota or take additional actions to satisfy the demands of the NSF.
The NSF's demand has ignited a controversy throughout the state. Most locals and student groups have come out in support, contending that indigenous students should be better represented in their own state's top educational institution. They feel that a systematic reservation policy will open up more opportunities for Nagas and stop brain drain.
On the other hand, several officials and education experts have questioned whether the demand is feasible. Mandating an 80% job quota, according to critics, would compromise the university's merit-based hiring procedure, which might affect the standard of administration and instruction. They contend that while local representation is important, selections should be made based on qualifications and qualifications rather than just ethnicity.
As tensions rise, the pressure is building on Nagaland University to reach a balanced solution. In the absence of any agreement, the NSF has said that it is ready to stage mass protests, which may disrupt administrative and academic functions at the university.
With the problem picking up steam, everyone now looks to the university administration and state government to observe how they will balance this delicate demand while ensuring that meritocracy and indigenous representation are both maintained.
