AIZAWL, July 8: A large student-led protest rocked Aizawl on Monday as the Mizo Students’ Union (MSU) staged a rally demanding the immediate termination of unqualified part-time teachers who have been serving in colleges for years without meeting the mandated educational qualifications.

Hundreds of students marched nearly two kilometres from Vanapa Hall to the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education in Zarkawt, voicing frustration over what they described as the government’s continued tolerance of academic incompetence in the state’s higher education institutions.

According to the MSU, several teachers have been employed for periods ranging from 8 to 17 years despite lacking essential credentials such as the National Eligibility Test (NET), Mizoram Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET), or a PhD. MSU president B. Lalkhawngaihzuala condemned the prolonged service of these teachers, warning that continued employment of underqualified faculty would compromise student futures and erode academic standards.

In response, officials confirmed that the state government has issued show-cause notices to the teachers involved, giving them 15 days to respond. Protesters were assured that any teacher failing to meet the eligibility criteria would be dismissed within five days following the deadline.

Speaking on the issue, State Higher and Technical Education Minister Dr. Vanlalthlana clarified that the current government, led by the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), had not recruited any of the unqualified teachers. He stated that the part-time appointments in question were made between 2008 and 2017 under the previous MNF and Congress governments, through the Mizoram Public Service Commission (MPSC).

The show-cause notices have reportedly been issued to faculty across various institutions, including general colleges, Mizoram Law College, and Mizoram Polytechnic in Lunglei.

The minister also addressed the issue of over 100 muster roll teachers who have yet to pass the MTET. He revealed that these individuals have been granted a final opportunity to clear the eligibility test this year, following a prior extension given under the MNF government that set a deadline of 2024.

Dr. Vanlalthlana reaffirmed the current administration’s commitment to upholding educational standards, emphasizing that only qualified professionals would be retained in the state’s academic institutions.

The rally remained peaceful and incident-free, with police maintaining order throughout the protest. The MSU has indicated that it will continue to monitor the government’s response to ensure accountability and reform in the higher education system.