The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has alleged that 109 government posts across 16 departments were filled through what it described as backdoor appointments, raising concerns over possible violations of recruitment procedures under the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) framework.
Addressing a press conference in Kohima on Tuesday, NSF president Mteisuding said the federation had earlier submitted an ultimatum to the State Government on March 20, 2026, over alleged irregular appointments. He said subsequent findings compiled through RTI applications indicated that 109 posts across 16 departments were filled outside prescribed recruitment procedures.
According to the NSF, 13 of the posts fall under the purview of the NPSC and were allegedly filled between 2018 and 2021, while 96 posts fall under the NSSB and were allegedly filled between 2019 and 2023.
NSF vice-president Vimeyiekho Vitso said the appointments include 82 regular posts, 16 contract posts, eight temporary posts, two casual appointments, and one ad hoc appointment. He alleged that all 109 posts were made “without open advertisement and without following prescribed recruitment procedures,” including competitive examinations conducted by the NPSC and NSSB.
The federation cited a June 6, 2016 Office Memorandum which mandates that posts under NPSC purview be routed through the Commission, and a March 10, 2022 directive prescribing standard formats for appointment orders. It alleged that several appointments made after these notifications did not comply with established procedures.
NSF said the issue goes beyond procedural lapses, arguing that such appointments “deprive eligible candidates of fair opportunity and undermine public confidence in the recruitment system.”
NSF said the State Government has acknowledged the matter. According to the federation, the Chief Secretary, in a communication dated May 4, 2026, informed that the issue has been referred to a cabinet sub-committee and will be placed before the Cabinet for deliberation.
The federation said it would await the outcome of the review process but cautioned that failure to take corrective action could trigger democratic agitation, including demands for termination of appointments found to be illegal.
The NSF said its findings are based on information obtained through RTI applications and that data from 16 departments has been compiled so far, with more departments under examination.
It also alleged that some departments have been reluctant to furnish complete information, and said additional findings will be submitted to the government as the review continues.
The federation added that it is also examining alleged irregularities in recruitment within uniformed services, including the forest department, and will decide further action after reviewing responses.
NSF said accountability would extend beyond individual departments, including appointing authorities and higher-level officials if irregularities are established.
