Kohima: The Nagaland government has urged the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) and its allied organisations to end their ongoing pen-down strike, following concerns raised over the recent IAS selection process. Government spokesperson and Minister of Power & Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, addressed the issue on Thursday, emphasizing that the state cannot retract its decision now that the State Screening Committee has completed its work and forwarded recommendations to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Government Stands by IAS Selection Process
Kenye clarified that the state government has adhered to a long-standing practice in selecting officers for the IAS cadre, which considers both State Civil Service (SCS) and non-SCS officers of proven merit and eligibility. The controversy erupted after a March 10, 2025, notification invited applications for a single IAS post but restricted eligibility to SCS officers only, based on an old order dated July 6, 2020.
He added that the advertisement was withdrawn and reissued on April 24, 2025, after a cabinet meeting, restoring conventional selection guidelines. According to Rule 4 of the IAS (Appointment by Selection) Regulations, 1997, officers not belonging to the SCS but holding outstanding merit, a gazetted post, and at least eight years of continuous state service can be considered for IAS induction.
Five Candidates Shortlisted for UPSC Consideration
The State Screening Committee has reportedly shortlisted five candidates from 11 applicants and forwarded their names to UPSC for further review. Kenye emphasized that proper channels exist for review and legal redressal if there are disagreements, and paralyzing government functioning through strikes is not a productive approach.
Allegations of “Backdoor Appointments” Addressed
Responding to claims of “backdoor appointees” entering the IAS cadre, Kenye described the term as misleading, noting that many officers who did not initially join through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) have been regularised over time and served with integrity.
JCC Continues Strike, Offers Dialogue Window
Despite government appeals, the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC)—comprising the Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees Association, the Federation of Nagaland State Engineers Service Association, the Nagaland In-Service Doctors’ Association, the Nagaland Secretariat Service Association, and the Nagaland Forest Service Association—decided to continue the pen-down strike. The agitators have provided a three-day window for dialogue, conditional on acceptance of their core demands.
Read also: Nagaland Government Employees Begin Three-Day Pen-Down Strike Over IAS Induction Controversy
