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Excise deptt reacts to allegations

DIMAPUR, JUL 22 (NPN)

Reacting to the allegations made by a group of intending candidates over ongoing recruitment process for 46 posts of excise constables, the excise department has reassured that recruitment process was being conducted with utmost integrity, under the close supervision of officials, public, and in the presence of media.
In a press release, excise department affirmed commitment to upholding the highest standards of public service recruitment and appealed to all candidates to focus on their preparations.


Constitution of the departmental recruitment board (DRB): The department pointed out that DRB was constituted as per government decision, in line with standard practice for all uniformed services (constabulary rank) that fell outside the purview of Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB). It clarified that DRB’s formation was in accordance with established procedures and did not violate any service rule or government directive.


Inclusion of written examination: The department reminded that Rule 5 of the Nagaland Excise Service (Revised) Rules, 1999 mandates recruitment be conducted through a competitive examination. It said the Rules neither prescribe a two-tier process, nor restrict the inclusion of a written component.
The department said recruitment process initially relied solely on physical test and viva voce. However, in order to eliminate any perception of subjectivity or favouritism, it said DRB decided to incorporate a written test.
It said the decision was taken to ensure greater objectivity and merit-based selection, adding it was in full compliance with other sister departments, and constitutional and judicial standards of fairness in public recruitment.


Weightage of marks and fair opportunity: The department stated that written examination, based on a Class 8 level syllabus, carried 100 marks, and viva voce was allotted 12 marks, as per the decision of the DRB. It said the change was made with the sole intention of giving all candidates—regardless of background or qualification—an equal and just platform to compete.

Clearance of vacancies and advertisement: The department informed that initial 40 constable vacancies were duly vetted and approved by both P&AR and finance departments. Subsequently, it said an additional 6 posts—arising due to retirements and promotion—was added. Thus, with the approval of P&AR and finance departments, it said an addendum for additional 6 constable posts was published in local newspapers.

Physical and medical standards: The department said that physical standard measurements were conducted prior to physical tests. It informed that medical examination was scheduled to take place after written test and before viva voce, as per standard recruitment protocol. It clarified that there had been no deviation from the established selection procedure.

No violation of service rules: Stating that introduction of written examination was done to enhance transparency, credibility, and fairness of recruitment process, the department said it did not violate any provisions of the Nagaland Excise Service (Revised) Rules, 1999. On the contrary, the department said it reflected the department’s commitment to ensuring a merit-based and lawful selection process.