FLAGS IAS CIRCULAR LAPSE, SETS UP SUBCOMMITTEE; RECONSTITUTES RESERVATION PANEL, REVIEWS FNTA
The ongoing impasse over the IAS induction process in Nagaland has been attributed to what the State Cabinet on Thursday described as a “bureaucratic procedural lapse.”
The controversy, which triggered agitation led by Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), comprising CANSSEA, FONSESA, NIDA, NSSA, and NF&ASA, arose from a March 10, 2025 advertisement that made Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) entry a mandatory qualification for IAS induction — a condition later found inconsistent with statutory rules and established practices. Addressing media after the cabinet meeting, minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, who is also the government spokesperson, said the error occurred because the circular was neither placed before the chief minister- who oversees the Personnel and Administrative Reforms (P&AR) Department- nor approved by the Cabinet prior to issue.
“Unfortunately, the bureaucracy fell short of procedural duties and responsibilities,” Kenye said, adding that the chief minister was unaware before the circular’s release.
Kenye said the Cabinet, after legal consultations, concluded that induction of officers from both the Nagaland Civil Service (NCS) and other state services was an established practice. “Entry through NPSC has never been the sole criterion for IAS induction,” he clarified.
As per the IAS (Recruitment) Rules, 1954, and DoPT guidelines (1997), mode of entry into service is not the determining factor. Instead, merit, integrity, Annual Performance Reports, and at least eight years of substantive gazetted service are the key criteria, he said.
He explained that the State Screening Committee shortlists eligible officers whose names are sent to the UPSC for scrutiny and approval. “What matters is service record and integrity, not the entry point,” he emphasized. After the anomaly was detected, the March 10 advertisement was cancelled and replaced on March 27, removing the restrictive clause. “This was a bureaucratic procedural lapse, not intentional,” Kenye said, adding that the system has since been restored.
He disclosed that several past IAS inductees from Nagaland, including late R. Kevichüsa, T. Imchen, Dr. Chuba Temjen, Imkongliba, Y. Kikheto Sema, and Dr. Zasikuolie Chüsi, were non-NPSC entrants.
The vacancy that sparked the present dispute remains unfilled, though before the September 30 deadline, the State Screening Committee had forwarded five shortlisted names from 11 applicants to the UPSC.
On whether any action would be taken, Kenye said the Cabinet decided against punitive measures since the issue should have been vetted at the top level. “Had that been done, this anomaly would not have occurred,” he noted. Regarding the agitation, Kenye said the Cabinet opted for leniency. “We will not be harsh because this is a people’s government. We hope the matter will be resolved amicably,” he said.
Reiterating that IAS rules do not make NPSC entry mandatory, Kenye maintained that considering officers from multiple services aligns with national norms.
To facilitate dialogue, the Cabinet formed a subcommittee headed by deputy chief minister T.R. Zeliang, with deputy CM Y. Patton, ministers Metsubo Jamir and K.G. Kenye, and the chief secretary as members. The committee will meet the agitating associations by October 20.
Reservation Commission reconstituted: Kenye informed that the Cabinet reconstituted the Commission for Review of Reservation after representations from the Five Tribes Committee (CoRRP).
Former Development Commissioner Rama Krishna (Retd. IAS) will head the body, with officials from P&AR, Law & Justice, and Home departments as ex-officio members, and the commissioner & secretary P&AR, as member secretary.
Formal notification will be issued soon, after which the six-month review period will begin. Kenye said the Commission’s work extends beyond employment to encompass broader social and demographic aspects.
He further informed that the State government had accepted the suggestion made by the five tribes to change the nomenclature from “Job Reservation Commission” to “Commission for Review of Reservation,” stressing that the exercise would not be confined to employment alone. “It is not only about job reservation; it involves several other aspects of life,” he said, adding that the scope of the Commission’s work would be broad and aligned with the ongoing national census exercise.
Kenye stated that the terms of reference and areas of coverage would include wider social and demographic parameters to ensure a comprehensive review process. “That was rectified, and apart from that, everything should go down smoothly,” he added.
Govt employees barred from heading NGOs, CSOs
Kenye reiterated that government employees are prohibited from holding posts in NGOs or civil society organisations, citing service conduct rules.
“The government cannot allow its employees to spearhead NGOs and CSOs. They must choose one,” he stated, adding that violators would face disciplinary action. He urged the public to report such cases.
Acknowledging that there might be instances where the government is not aware of such violations, Kenye appealed to the public to promptly report such cases to the authorities. “Where rules do not permit, the government will not tolerate,” he affirmed.
Indigenous status clarification: Kenye also clarified the government’s stand on indigenous status, explaining that “indigenous” refers to original settlers or natural occupants by history or ownership- not by administrative grant.
He said communities such as Garos, Kacharis, Mikirs, and Kukis who settled before statehood (December 1, 1963) may hold permanent citizenship but not indigenous status, which “cannot be conferred, transferred, or awarded.”
On the ongoing court stay concerning enumeration of four tribes, Kenye said the government cannot proceed until the stay is lifted.
He also provided historical context, explaining that ancient rulers- including Kachari kings and Ahoms- once governed parts of present-day Nagaland, but historical rule alone cannot determine indigeneity.
The government, he said, aims to implement a detailed register of indigenous inhabitants to ensure clarity in issuing ILPs, certificates, and administrative entitlements.
Kenye affirmed that the government remains committed to consultation with tribal leaders under Article 371(A) to ensure all administrative measures respect customary law and protect the rights of indigenous Nagas.
Kenye, responding to queries on whether the Nagaland Legislative Assembly could revoke the status of these communities, said the government has the authority to grant or withdraw status as per administrative rules, policies, and legal frameworks. He advised communities to exercise caution, cooperate with the government, and understand that policies may evolve to ensure efficient administration.
Kenye concluded by reiterating that the government’s actions aim to provide clarity, ensure administrative efficiency, and support long-term governance. He urged all communities, including the four tribes under scrutiny, to cooperate with government policies, avoid resistance, and acknowledge that the administration has the authority to confer, review, or withdraw status when necessary.
Progress on FNTA issue: On the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) issue, Kenye said recent talks between the Centre and Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) indicated continued engagement.
He informed that the state had submitted its views to the Centre, with both sides agreeing on most points except a few requiring detailed review. To address these, a sub-committee of the P&AR department and ENPO officials has been constituted, adding that this was a “new development” that could help resolve the core issues.
While specifics were not disclosed, Kenye said deliberations centred on procedures for possible dissolution of the FNTA’s Executive Council and administrative mechanisms thereafter. Other matters such as funding and cadre appointments also remained under discussion.
He expressed optimism that “everything is moving smoothly” and hoped the Centre would expedite the process.
On whether Article 371(A) would be affected, Kenye clarified that the Centre had no plan to amend the provision. Instead, arrangements would be placed as a separate chapter—possibly through ordinance or state legislation—without requiring parliamentary action.