In a major development, Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) representing apex state services associations- CANSSEA, FONESSA, NIDA, NSSA & NF&ASA- has called off its over-one- month-long strike on the issue of selection of officers for induction to IAS cadre.
In a circular, JCC convenor Kitto Swu stated that the committee had deliberated on the government’s decision conveyed through the press release issued on November 6, signed by the chief secretary and decided to acknowledge the Cabinet’s decision and call off the agitation with immediate effect.
The circular noted the Cabinet’s decision “to revisit all the decisions taken on the matter so as to arrive at an informed decision regarding the eligibility criteria for induction of Non-SCS officers into IAS after taking into account the views of all stakeholders.”
Stating that the constituent bodies of the JCC were stakeholders in the process, the committee said it firmly believed that the government would abide by its decision in letter and spirit and uphold meritocracy.
Cabinet recalls IAS panel lists, to re-visit process
Signaling a shift after taking fresh inputs, the State Cabinet on Thursday deliberated the induction of Non-State Civil Service (Non-SCS) officers into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and decided to re-visit the entire process and also decided to recall the panel of names for the Select List 2024 that was submitted to the UPSC on September 26, 2025.
Informing this in a press release issued through DIPR, chief secretary Sentiyanger Imchen said that the Cabinet noted that while a Vacancy Circular for induction of Non-SCS officers was approved by the competent authority in 2020, it was not followed by preparation of a Cabinet memorandum and no policy decision was taken or notified. It further noted that the Vacancy Circular issued on March 10, 2025 was released without approval of the competent authority. The Cabinet also took note of representations submitted by various service associations, including CANSSEA and others, to the Department of Personnel & Training and UPSC.
It also took note of the UPSC’s letter dated October 10, 2025 seeking submission of deficient information and documents relating to the panel of eligible officers for the Select List 2024.
Taking into account the factual background and new facts and contentions brought to the government’s notice, the chief secretary said that the Cabinet decided to recall the panel of names for the Select List 2024 that was submitted to the UPSC on September 26, 2025. The release stated that the Cabinet resolved to re-visit all decisions made on the matter to arrive at an informed and transparent policy decision regarding eligibility criteria for induction of Non-SCS officers into IAS.
It added that the views of all stakeholders would be considered and advice would be sought from DoPT/UPSC. Therefore, the Cabinet appealed to all concerned to cooperate and call off the ongoing agitation and protest related to the issue.
Cong concerned over JCC-govt deadlock
DIMAPUR, NOV 6 (NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed deep concern over the prolonged deadlock between Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) on IAS induction and the state government, stating that the stalemate has resulted in near-paralysis of governance and caused widespread inconvenience to the public.
NPCC, through its communications department, said it consistently upheld meritocracy and fairness, and recognised that the right to express grievances was fundamental in a democracy. However, it maintained that public service and administrative responsibility should not be disproportionately compromised in the process.
While acknowledging the concerns raised by JCC, NPCC urged the state government to take proactive steps to address the grievances in a manner that restored confidence in the system. Appealing to both the JCC and the state government, NPCC called for all avenues of “good-faith dialogue” to be exhausted to arrive at a speedy, equitable and transparent resolution. It said public welfare must remain paramount and urged early restoration of normal governance.
NSF calls for upholding meritocracy
DIMAPUR, NOV 6 (NPN): Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has extended solidarity to the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) on IAS Induction (CANSSEA, FONSESA, NSSA, NIDA and NF&ASA) in its pursuit to uphold meritocracy, transparency and constitutional compliance in the service system of the State.
In a representation addressed to the state chief secretary, Naga Students’ Federation president Mteisuding and general secretary Kenilo Kent reiterated that meritocracy must constitute the inviolable cornerstone of public employment and service induction in Nagaland.
NSF stated that integrity of governance and the confidence of the people in public institutions were predicated upon the assurance that every appointment and promotion within the State service was made strictly in conformity with constitutional mandates of equality, fairness and due process.
The federation has, however, expressed grave concern that serious procedural discrepancies and irregularities have reportedly arisen in the process of induction into the IAS.
NSF expressed belief that any consideration of officers who have entered service through irregular, backdoor or unconstitutional means constituted a direct violation of the very spirit of meritocracy.
In light of the above, NSF urged the state government to immediately rectify and nullify any irregular or unconstitutional consideration in the ongoing IAS induction process and ensure strict adherence to merit-based and transparent procedures, limiting eligibility exclusively to officers who entered service through duly constituted authorities such as the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) or other legitimate recruitment boards in compliance with established service rules and constitutional provisions.
Meanwhile, NSF has appealed to the JCC to keep its ongoing agitation in abeyance in the larger public interest. It said that prolonged disruptions have begun to impede essential governance and service delivery.