Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees’ Association (CANSSEA), Federation of Nagaland State Engineers’ Service Association (FONSESA), Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA), and Nagaland Finance & Accounts Services Association (NF&ASA) have strongly opposed the withdrawal of the vacancy circular dated March 10, 2025 for induction of non-state civil service (non-SCS) officers into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
The core committee of four associations through its media cell said they had earlier submitted a formal letter to the government objecting to the withdrawal of the circular after the lapse of 15-day application window, and without any clear justification.
The core committee said a follow-up reminder was submitted on April 4, 2025, reaffirming their stand that the original circular was fair, transparent, and merit-based—satisfying all eligibility criteria.
The committee also recalled that the associations initially lauded the circular issued on March 10, 2025 for setting a precedent—requiring that aspirants for IAS induction must have entered service through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC), a step that upheld merit and transparency.
However, the core committee said the abrupt withdrawal via a subsequent circular on March 25, 2025, just one day after the application deadline, and the state government’s decision on March 27, 2025 to re-advertise the vacancy citing central government guidelines, raised serious concerns.
The associations emphasized that several meritorious officers who had entered service through the NPSC had already submitted applications before the withdrawal. “This action not only undermines their aspirations but also erodes trust in the principles of meritocracy and good governance,” the associations said.
In light of the above, the core committee of CANSSEA, FONSESA, NSSA, and NF&ASA reiterated its demand that the government implement the original vacancy circular dated March 10, 2025 in letter and spirit.
The committee also appealed that the selection process be carried forward from among the applicants who had submitted their applications by the stipulated deadline of March 24, 2025, based solely on merit and the eligibility criteria laid out in the original circular.
The associations affirmed they remained steadfast in upholding the sanctity of transparent and just recruitment practices and would continue to advocate for fair representation in the civil services.