The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has urged the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) to reschedule the upcoming Combined Staff Recruitment Examination (CSRE), citing its clash with Ahuna, the major post-harvest festival of the Sümi community.
In a statement, the CNTC said Ahuna was not merely a holiday but an important cultural and traditional occasion celebrating unity, gratitude and indigenous heritage.
The council said conducting a competitive examination on the festival day would place candidates in a difficult position, compelling them to choose between participating in an important cultural occasion and pursuing employment opportunities.
While acknowledging the NSSB’s efforts to conduct recruitment examinations in a timely and systematic manner, the CNTC said examination schedules should also take into account the cultural significance of traditional festivals and ensure equal opportunities for all aspirants.
The council appealed to the NSSB and the state government to postpone the examination to a suitable alternative date so that candidates could participate in the festival without compromising their career aspirations.
It also called for a more inclusive approach to examination scheduling, urging the authorities to consider major traditional festivals of Nagaland’s recognised tribes while preparing future examination calendars to avoid similar clashes.
The CNTC expressed hope that the authorities would consider its appeal and take appropriate action in the interest of students and the preservation of the state’s cultural heritage.
The statement was signed by CNTC Vice-President Temjen Nungshang Kichu and Secretary Rhontsuthung Kikon.