Students in Aizawl Protest Extension Given to 29 Part-Time Assistant Professors Flouting UGC Norms

Student leaders and education advocates have sharply criticised the move.

A massive protest was organised by the Mizo Students’ Union (MSU) to demand the immediate removal of 29 part-time Assistant Professors who were controversially granted extensions despite failing to meet the eligibility criteria set by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Around 1,500 college students participated in the protest.

The protest was triggered by a highly contentious notification issued by the state’s Higher & Technical Education Department on February 21, 2025, extending one-year extension to 29 part-time Assistant Professors who have not cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET), a mandatory qualification under University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.

The state government justified the extension on so-called “humanitarian grounds,” claiming it would give the individuals more time to meet the required academic qualifications, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from student groups and education advocates alike.

However, student leaders and education advocates have sharply criticised the move.

During the protest, MSU President, B. Lalkhawngaihzuala said, “This repeated failure to comply with UGC norms means they are not qualified to teach in colleges. The government must take a firm stand and remove them. We have more than enough qualified candidates to fill these roles.”

Carrying placards and raising slogans, MSU members marched through the city centre and assembled in front of the Directorate of Higher & Technical Education, demanding an immediate rollback of the extension granted to the 29 part-time Assistant Professors.

The protesters urged the government to revoke the extension and uphold academic integrity by appointing only those who meet the University Grants Commission (UGC) norms.

In a follow-up meeting between MSU leaders and officials from the Education Department, it was disclosed that show-cause notices had been issued to the 29 part-time Assistant Professors on July 3.

They have been given 15 days to submit their responses. Acknowledging the process, MSU agreed to allow the government an additional 5 days to review the replies.

“We are not against any individual,” an MSU spokesperson clarified.

“But we cannot compromise the future of higher education in Mizoram. The system must prioritise merit and qualification,” he added.

The MSU warned that further action would follow if their demands are not met.

The union also called on the government to ensure that only UGC-qualified individuals are considered for teaching roles in the future.

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