Mokokchung, 17 February (MTNews): The Directorate of Soil and Water Conservation in Nagaland is under scrutiny following allegations of illegal appointments to the position of Junior Soil Conservation Officer (JSCO). Avilie Nagi and Agape Yeputhomi were reportedly appointed on 3 June 2016 without the involvement of the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC), as claimed by the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN).
CTAN alleged that these appointments, which were purportedly made through a “backdoor” process, were not in compliance with standard procedures. The association has been vocal in demanding the nullification of their regularization, first raising the issue in September and December of 2019, and again on 10 March 2022.
In response to CTAN’s ultimatum for termination, CTAN in a press statement said that the Directorate of Soil and Water Conservation clarified, “There’s no question of termination since they no longer serve in the department.”
However, CTAN claimed that it has since learned that both individuals are still employed and undergoing a process of regularization, which they argue contradicts the terms of their contract.
Stating that the appointees have no right to claim regularization in any case, CTAN has now issued a renewed demand for the termination of Avilie Nagi and Agape Yeputhomi by 11 March 2024.
Should their demands go unmet, CTAN has warned of potential action, including the lockdown of the Directorate of Soil and Water Conservation.