The Nagaland Police has announced the recruitment of 1,176 constables (GD) with Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma assuring that the process will be fair, transparent, and free of political interference.
Addressing a press conference at Police Headquarters, Kohima, on Tuesday, Sharma said the recruitment advertisement was the outcome of a year-long exercise involving consultations with senior officers, government departments, and tribal organisations.
To accommodate those who missed out in previous cycles, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has relaxed the upper age limit to 38 years. Sharma also said if the present exercise goes smoothly, another recruitment of around 1,200 posts will be announced in the next five to six months. However, the number of vacancies is limited by the current training capacity of about 1,000 recruits.
For the first time, applications will only be accepted online. “Let me make it very clear, there are no physical forms to be collected by any candidate from any office, either PHQ or any of our units,” Sharma stressed.
The recruitment portal was scheduled to go live on Tuesday evening, with applications opening on October 6 and closing on November 7. Registration will be a one-time process for all future recruitments. Candidates must be between 18 and 38 years and ensure that documents and phone numbers used belong to the applicant.
Unlike earlier practices, there will be no separate recruitment for NAP, DEF, or IR battalions. All recruits will initially serve in IR battalions, a move Sharma said was intended to keep the force “young and fit.” Over time, transfers will be made based on qualifications and capabilities. Tribal representation will follow the 2011 census, as per government decision.
The DGP warned that candidates involved in substance abuse at any stage, even after selection, would be dismissed. He also appealed to the public not to indulge in bribery or influence. “Please help us to keep it free from any interference or any allegations of bribery or influence or anything,” he said.
Medical and physical examinations will be strictly enforced without relaxation. “Candidates who do not meet the physical criteria will be disqualified,” Sharma noted.
Acknowledging that requests from political leaders may arise, Sharma said recommendation letters would not be entertained. “We will handle it in a very fair manner… there will be no one who will be disadvantaged because of this,” he assured.
Sharma clarified that groups such as the Garo, Kuki, Kachari, and Mikir (Karbi) are not included in the present cycle, as per a government decision. Their quota of seats will be kept aside and advertised separately once the matter is resolved.
The recruitment process is expected to be completed in about four months. “We are looking at a very futuristic Nagaland Police through this recruitment and the future ones,” Sharma added.