Nagaland service associations set for three-day pen-down strike over IAS induction issue

KOHIMA — As part of their third phase of agitation, the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) comprising CANSSEA, FONSESA, NIDA, NSSA and NF&ASA will go ahead with a three-day pen-down strike from October 14 to 16, protesting the state government’s alleged failure to address their concerns over IAS induction.

The announcement was made during a press conference held on Monday in Kohima, attended by Imtiwabang Jamir and Dr. Illang (core committee members), Fineson Pojar (president, FONSESA), Zubemo Lotha Tsanglao (president, CANSSEA), Dr. Thomas Keppen (president, NIDA), Chubasangla Longkumer (president, NSSA), and Amenla Jamir (president, NF&ASA).

Addressing the media, the committee members said that all government employees under the associations would report to work but abstain from duties, adding that the protest aims to “stand for meritocracy and protect the future of the youth.”

Also read: CANSSEA Dimapur unit to enforce pen down strike from October 14

They questioned the government’s handling of the IAS selection process, asking “why there is one rule for NPSC/NSSB aspirants and another for IAS induction.”

The committee accused the government of rewarding backdoor appointees and demoralising merit-based officers, and also questioned the withdrawal of the March 10, 2025 vacancy circular after the last date of submission.

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The associations demanded: strict adherence to meritocracy in IAS induction; induction only from NPSC-recruited officers; full transparency in panel lists and selection criteria; end to political patronage; and immediate withdrawal of the “biased” panel list, besides restoring the March 10 circular.

They recalled that the first phase of agitation involved wearing black badges, while the second phase was a poster campaign. However, they said that the state government had yet to initiate any dialogue.

The committee alleged that the present IAS selection process gives “backdoor appointees an unfair advantage,” sidelining meritorious candidates.

They also clarified that the agitation is not directed against any individual but aimed at upholding the principle of meritocracy. “We are in the right course to right the wrong that has been done,” they said, adding that the agitation would continue in phases until their demands are met.

Related: IAS induction row: Protesting employees fire ‘arrogance’ jibe at Nagaland government

The committee further stated that the issue sends “wrong signals to meritorious officers” and discourages students aspiring for government service.

They appealed to the government to withdraw the panel list forwarded to the Centre and ensure that the IAS remains a premier service free from backdoor entry.

The members informed that they had filed RTI applications seeking the list of applicants, government performance records, and names of the five final candidates forwarded to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

They claimed that at least one unqualified candidate is among the five shortlisted.

They also clarified that the UPSC selection process is still underway, and hence, there is time for the government to recall the panel.

“If the government fails to respond during the three-day pen-down agitation, the committee will decide the next course of action,” they said.

Responding to reports that some departments might not participate, the committee said that it was unaware of any such decisions but suggested that “isolated departments” could face exclusion from the collective movement.