Demand withdrawal of non-NPSC candidate from IAS select list; accuse govt of subverting meritocracy
In a major escalation against the State Government, a joint body of major service associations in Nagaland has announced a three-day pen down strike across all government offices from October 14, 2025, in protest against the inclusion of a non-NPSC candidate in the select list of Non-State Civil Service (Non-SCS) officers for induction into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
The decision comes in the wake of what the associations termed the Government’s “silence and nonchalant attitude” in addressing their demands for the withdrawal of the non-NPSC candidate from the IAS select list, which was shortlisted on September 25, 2025.
In a joint statement, the associations said they are “compelled to initiate the next phase of protest” as no measures have been taken by the Government to address their grievances, which they described as “subverting meritocracy.”
“While it is expected of the Government to uphold merit, it is observed that the Government is in favour of ushering in backdoor officers for induction into the country’s most prestigious and premier service such as the IAS,” the statement read.
The strike, which will continue alongside earlier forms of protest such as black ribbon/badge wearing and poster campaigns, is being jointly enforced by the Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees Association (CANSSEA), Federation of Nagaland Senior Engineers Service Association (FONSESA), Nagaland Finance & Accounts Service Association (NF&ASA), Nagaland In-service Doctors Association (NIDA), and Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA), among others.
The associations have placed two key demands:
1. Withdrawal of the non-NPSC candidate from the Select List of Non-SCS officers for IAS induction held on September 25, 2025.
2. Restoration of the Vacancy Circular dated March 10, 2025, in toto, to ensure that present and future selection into the IAS from Non-SCS categories is based on merit and transparency.
They added that necessary modalities for exempting essential and emergency services during the strike period will be worked out by respective departments and associations. Members have been advised to adhere to official protocol and attendance during the phase of peaceful protest.
The statement was signed by Zubemo Lotha Tsanglao, Convenor, Core Committee & President, CANSSEA; Yhunsenlo Kent, Convenor, Action Committee; Er. Fineson Pojar, Co-Convenor, Core Committee & President, FONSESA; Amenla Jamir, President, NF&ASA; Dr. Vietsolie Vupru, Co-Convenor, Core Committee & Gen. Secretary, NIDA; and Benito K Swu, Co-Convenor, Core Committee & Gen. Secretary, NSSA.
The announcement of the pen down strike is likely to impact the functioning of government offices across Nagaland, as these associations represent a significant section of the State’s bureaucracy.