Nagaland: JCC demands end to ‘backdoor’ IAS inductions, calls for merit-based selection

DIMAPUR — A Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) of five government employees’ associations has demanded that the government ensure merit-based and transparent induction of Non-State Civil Service (Non-SCS) officers into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the committee, which includes the Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees’ Association (CANSSEA), Federation of Nagaland State Engineers Service Association (FONSESA), Nagaland In-Service Doctors’ Association (NIDA), Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA), and Nagaland Finance and Accounts Service Association (NF&ASA), called for an end to “favouritism, nepotism, and backdoor appointments” in the IAS induction process.

Asserting that past irregularities must not be repeated, the committee maintained that the induction process must reflect “meritocracy, transparency and fairness” in keeping with constitutional norms.

“The government must stand for meritocracy by inducting the most eligible officers recruited through the constitutionally mandated state public service commission from the non-SCS cadre into the premier IAS post, giving them opportunities without bias or political favour,” the statement read.

Also read: Nagaland: CANSSEA questions ‘double standard’ in IAS induction process

The JCC also criticised what it called the government’s “inconsistent” stance, asking: “When the State Government speaks for meritocracy through NPSC and NSSB, then why nepotism towards backdoor appointees for induction to the country’s most premier and prestigious IAS post?”

The committee argued that if the government continues to promote backdoor appointments, the credibility of recruitment bodies such as the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) would be undermined. “In such a case, the government should abolish these recruitment bodies altogether to avoid making a mockery in the eyes of the Naga public,” it stated.

Reiterating its stance, the JCC called on the government to uphold merit, transparency, and justice in all appointments and promotions, reject favouritism in any form, and safeguard the integrity of public institutions.

“Thousands of competent young Nagas, recruited through the NPSC and NSSB, must be given their rightful opportunity as constitutionally recognised, merit-based recruits,” it added.

Further, it warned that any deviation from constitutional procedures would “undermine public trust and demoralise genuine officers,” while appealing to citizens, intellectuals, and public representatives to support the demand for a fair and merit-based process.