Kohima: In a strong show of solidarity with the nationwide protest called by the All India State Government Employees Federation (AISGEF), the Confederation of All Nagaland State Service Associations (CANSSEA) — including FONSESA, NSSA, NFASA, and NPDGEF — observed a one-day strike on Tuesday at the CANSSEA office in Kohima.
The protest was aimed at supporting AISGEF’s 11-point national charter, but Nagaland-based associations zeroed in on five key demands specific to the state’s employee grievances. A representation detailing these demands was formally submitted to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland on the same day.
Addressing media persons, CANSSEA General Secretary Yhungsenlo Kent stated that while AISGEF has eleven national demands, the Nagaland associations are focusing on five key issues, which were formally submitted to the Chief Secretary on Tuesday.
Nagaland’s Five Key Demands:
Scrap the NPS, Restore OPS: Repeal the PRADA Act, return National Pension System (NPS) funds to the state, and transition all employees to the Employees’ Pension Scheme-1995 (EPS-95) Defined Benefit Pension System.
Implement 8th Pay Commission Benefits: Constitute a State Pay Commission and ensure salary revisions every five years.
Universal Health Insurance Coverage: Provide comprehensive, cashless medical treatment for all employees, pensioners, and contractual workers through a government-supported scheme.
Upgrade CMHIS Hospitals: Improve healthcare facilities across all district hospitals empanelled under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS).
Adhere to IAS Recruitment Rules: Strictly enforce the eligibility criteria as outlined in the now-withdrawn March 10, 2025, vacancy circular for IAS induction from the Nagaland Civil Service (NCS) cadre.
Kent emphasized that the associations are prepared to continue protests until these demands are met.
NPS vs OPS: Growing Discontent
Avizo Neinu, President of the Nagaland NPS Government Employees Forum (NNPSGEF), highlighted that employees recruited after January 1, 2010, fall under the NPS, while those hired earlier enjoy the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
“Under OPS, pensioners receive 50% of their last drawn salary without any contribution. But in NPS, employees contribute 10% of their salary with no guaranteed returns, even after 35 years of service,” Neinu said.
He also revealed alarming discrepancies:
- 1,028 NPS employees have zero balance in their pension accounts.
- Over ₹200 crore in employee contributions remains unaccounted for, according to the state treasury and accounts department website.
- He urged the state government to scrap NPS and restore OPS, aligning with AISGEF’s core demand.
IAS Cadre Recruitment Controversy
B. Imtiwabang Jamir, Core Committee Member, strongly criticized the government’s sudden withdrawal of the March 10, 2025 IAS vacancy circular, which had reserved posts for NCS officers.
“After receiving applications, the notification was abruptly cancelled and reissued without the NPSC recruitment clause, allowing non-competitive entries. This undermines meritocracy,” Jamir said, demanding reinstatement of the original recruitment process.
Read Also: 45 Newly Trained PCS Officers in Uttar Pradesh Get Field Postings as SDMs, Government Orders
Bleak Future Under NPS, Warns Dr. Ilang
Dr. Ilang, a senior member of the associations, warned of a “bleak financial future” for employees if the NPS continues. He noted that eight Indian states have already reverted to OPS, while Nagaland lags behind despite over 3,500 NPS subscribers.
He also criticized the poor implementation of CMHIS, citing multiple cases of hospitals denying cashless treatment despite scheme entitlements.
The associations reaffirmed their commitment to press for reforms and warned of intensifying their movement if the government fails to respond meaningfully.
