CM Rio calls for select committee to examine GDS recruitment process

In response to concerns raised by Dr Tsielhoutuo Rhutso regarding the recruitment process of Grameen Dak Sevaks (GDS) in Nagaland, Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio addressed the issue during the Zero Hour discussion on the fourth day of the 6th Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) at the NLA Secretariat in Kohima.

Dr Rio clarified that for the post of GDS, applicants are required to apply online, with recruitment based solely on Grade 10 merit. However, as Nagaland has not designated any local or state language as a third language, Naga languages are not considered in the selection criteria, allowing the posts to remain open to applicants from across India who are proficient in English and Hindi.

The Chief Minister emphasized the negative impact of this recruitment process, particularly for citizens of Nagaland. He pointed out that individuals posted from outside the state often face difficulties in communicating with locals due to language barriers, which results in the deprivation of services for Nagaland’s residents and missed employment opportunities for the local population.

In response, Dr Rio proposed that the matter be referred to a select committee for a more comprehensive examination. The committee will focus on finding a solution that takes into account the needs of Nagaland’s citizens while addressing the concerns surrounding the recruitment process for GDS positions. Dr Rio stressed the importance of ensuring that recruitment processes benefit both the local population and the efficient delivery of services in the state.

MT