Nagaland Olympic Association seeks a 5% sports quota in government jobs, including police and Nagaland Staff Selection Board recruitment
DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) has sought a 5% quota for sportspersons in eligible government jobs, asking the state government to consider the proposal for upcoming Nagaland Police recruitment and selections conducted by the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB).
In a representation addressed to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the NOA called for a policy that would recognise sporting achievements in public employment, including through reserved vacancies, additional marks and special appointments for outstanding athletes.
The association cited the central government’s provision for reservation of up to 5% of vacancies for meritorious sportspersons in specified Group C and erstwhile Group D posts. It asked Nagaland government to examine a similar arrangement, subject to the state's recruitment rules and necessary amendments.
The proposed policy would also award additional marks for sporting achievements at recognised state, national and international competitions. The NOA specifically sought the inclusion of medals won at the Nagaland State and Para Games, with a grading system that distinguishes between levels of competition.
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For athletes with exceptional international achievements, the association proposed direct appointment to suitable government posts, including Group A and Group B positions wherever service rules permit. It also sought out-of-turn promotions and other career incentives for serving personnel who win medals at major international competitions.
The proposals extend to para-athletes and include special leave for competitions and training camps, medical and injury support, and flexible duty arrangements where feasible.
To examine the demands, the NOA proposed a committee comprising officials from the Home department, Personnel and Administrative Reforms department, Police Headquarters, Youth Resources and Sports department, NSSB and the association.
The committee would review existing policies, recommend changes to recruitment and service rules, and frame eligibility and verification criteria to guard against the misuse of sporting certificates.
The association asked the government to examine the feasibility of introducing the proposed provisions in forthcoming police and NSSB recruitment exercises, subject to the required administrative and statutory approvals.