Kohima: Government offices across Nagaland came to a complete standstill on Tuesday as thousands of state employees launched a three-day pen-down strike protesting the state government’s alleged move to induct a non-Nagaland Civil Service (NCS) officer into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre. The strike marks the third phase of an ongoing agitation led by the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), a coalition of five major government employees’ associations.
Allegations of Recruitment Norm Violations
The JCC has accused the Nagaland government of violating long-standing recruitment norms by abruptly recalling a vacancy circular issued on March 10, which invited applications for IAS induction. According to the committee, the circular was withdrawn on the 16th day, just after 11 eligible NCS officers had applied within the 15-day deadline.
“This sudden withdrawal without any explanation has left employees deeply disappointed,” said Zubemo Lotha Tsanglao, president of the Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees Association (CANSSEA).
The JCC demands that the government reinstate the original vacancy circular and adhere to the Office Memorandums of 2001 and 2016, which mandate that vacancies be advertised through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) to ensure a transparent and merit-based selection process.
Joint Coordination Committee and Member Bodies
The strike is spearheaded by the JCC, which includes:
- Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees Association (CANSSEA)
- Nagaland In-Service Doctors Association (NIDA)
- Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA)
- Nagaland Finance and Accounts Service Association (NF&ASA)
- Federation of Nagaland State Engineering Service Association (FONSESA)
Symbolic Protest and Calls for Fairness
Government employees across Kohima and other districts reported for duty but refrained from performing official work as a symbolic gesture of protest. Several government departments and secretariat premises displayed banners demanding “Meritocracy in IAS Induction – Not Backdoor Entry.”
“This protest is not merely about one post, but about defending fairness and safeguarding the future of Naga youth,” said a JCC spokesperson, reaffirming that the agitation will continue peacefully until the government initiates meaningful dialogue.
Previous Agitations and Government Response
Earlier phases of the agitation saw black badge demonstrations and poster campaigns urging the government to maintain transparency in the recruitment process.
While no official statement has been released by the government yet, sources indicate that the State Cabinet is expected to convene on Wednesday to discuss the issue and explore possible resolutions.
