JCC urges public support, cites procedural lapses in IAS induction process in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) on IAS Induction, comprising five state employees’ associations—CANSSEA, FONSESA, NIDA, NSSA and NF&ASA—has urged the public to understand and support its stand on the ongoing impasse concerning the induction of officers into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) under the Non-State Civil Service (Non-SCS) quota.

In a public appeal issued on Wednesday, the JCC said that it felt “duty-bound to inform the people of the state about the reasons for the prolonged stalemate” while reiterating that its movement is “solely to uphold meritocracy, transparency and justice in public service recruitment.”

The committee appreciated the government for admitting to procedural lapses in the process of screening candidates for IAS induction, but pointed out that the lapses occurred despite clear provisions laid down under the IAS (Appointment by Selection) Recruitment Rules, 1954 and the IAS (Appointment by Selection) Regulations, 1997.

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It further alleged that the state government had overlooked an Office Memorandum issued by the department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on October 7, 2020, which directed all ministries and departments to implement a Supreme Court judgement mandating that all appointments and inductions conform strictly to constitutional and merit-based procedures.

“The JCC harbours no ill intent or ulterior motive against any individual or organisation,” the statement read.

The committee maintained that its stand aligns with the objectives of the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) Regulations of 2020, both of which were established to promote fairness and equal opportunity in recruitment.

Warning against policies that “shun established norms and laws,” the JCC said that such practices could “destroy the integrity of the state’s governance system” and “defeat the purpose of recruiting thousands of young aspirants through transparent and competitive examinations.”

Acknowledging that democratic forms of protest may cause temporary public inconvenience, the JCC appealed for understanding and solidarity from citizens. “Our strife is for fairness, justice and equal opportunity for all, as guaranteed under the law,” it stated.