Nagaland service associations back JCC’s stand on IAS induction controversy

DIMAPUR — The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) on IAS Induction, comprising several state service associations, has reiterated its demand for the withdrawal of backdoor appointees from the select list for induction into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

In a press statement issued on Saturday, the JCC informed that multiple state service associations, including the Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA), the Federation of Nagaland State Engineering Services Associations (FONSESA), the Nagaland Finance and Accounts Service Association (NF&ASA), the Confederation of All Nagaland State Service Employees’ Association (CANSSEA), and the Nagaland In-Service Doctors’ Association (NIDA), have reaffirmed their full support to the JCC’s ongoing movement.

The NSSA, in its executive meeting on October 9, reaffirmed total support to the JCC’s collective effort to safeguard meritocracy and fairness in the IAS induction process. Similarly, FONSESA, which comprises eight affiliated engineering associations, reiterated its commitment to back the JCC until the state government fulfils its two-point charter of demands, during its executive meeting held on October 22.

The NF&ASA, in its executive meeting on October 24, pledged unwavering support to the JCC’s cause, while CANSSEA, along with more than 50 affiliated associations, held an emergency executive meeting on the same day to deliberate on the ongoing issue concerning IAS induction under the Non-State Civil Service (Non-SCS) quota.

After detailed discussions, the house unanimously resolved to continue extending full physical and logistical support to the JCC and asserted that only candidates recruited through the Nagaland Public Service Commission should be considered for empanelment.

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In the same spirit, the Nagaland In-Service Doctors’ Association (NIDA), during its annual general meeting on October 24, resolved to maintain full solidarity with the JCC in defending the principles of merit-based selection and transparency.

The JCC, in its statement, warned that public offices and administrative structures are meant to serve the people and not to become “private fiefdoms for a few privileged hands.” It cautioned that when governance becomes synonymous with nepotism and favouritism, public trust erodes and the efficiency of the state collapses.

Calling the issue “not merely administrative but a moral and constitutional one,” the JCC demanded answers from the government on whether appointments and decisions have been influenced by personal or political connections. It further urged the state government to institute an independent inquiry monitored by credible and neutral institutions to ensure transparency and accountability.

“Governance cannot be a family affair. It is a public trust—and when that trust is betrayed, people have the right and duty to question and demand accountability,” the JCC stated.

Reaffirming their collective stand, the associations asserted that only constitutionally valid, merit-based candidates recruited through the public service commission should be included in the IAS select list, and all regularised backdoor appointees must be withdrawn to ensure justice, equality, and integrity in public service.