JCC Demands Removal of Non-NCS Nominee, Calls for Merit-Based Recruitment and Restoration of NPSC Role
Government work across Nagaland came to a standstill for the second day on Wednesday as thousands of state employees, under the banner of the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), continued their pen-down strike. The agitation stems from opposition to the proposed inclusion of a non-Nagaland Civil Service (NCS) officer into the state’s IAS cadre, with employees demanding that all appointments strictly follow merit and NPSC recruitment norms.
Strike Intensifies with Broad-Based Participation
The protest, which entered its third phase this week, saw participation from employees across various directorates, district offices, and sub-divisions. The JCC — an umbrella body representing CANSSEA, NIDA, NSSA, NF&ASA, and FONSESA — said the strike has received overwhelming support from every government department.
Though peaceful, the strike has effectively shut down administrative functioning in the state. A JCC representative remarked that the agitation reflects “deep dissatisfaction among employees over deviations from established recruitment rules,” warning that any compromise could undermine fairness and transparency in Nagaland’s civil service structure.
Employees Demand Withdrawal of Controversial Nomination
At a meeting with Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, JCC leaders reiterated their demand to withdraw the nomination of the non-NCS officer reportedly recommended to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for IAS induction.
The JCC further called for the restoration of the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) clause, emphasizing that recruitment to such posts must be routed either through the NPSC or open competitive advertisement — as mandated by government notifications from 2001 and 2016.
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Government Promises Cabinet Review
Following the discussions, the Chief Secretary assured the delegation that the government would present the matter before the State Cabinet in its upcoming meeting on Thursday. Officials indicated that the Cabinet would examine the employees’ concerns before taking a formal stance on the issue.
Decision Awaited on Next Steps
JCC members have said they will await the outcome of the Cabinet meeting before determining their next course of action. Depending on the response, the strike may either be suspended or intensified.
The episode underscores the sensitivity surrounding cadre management and administrative fairness in Nagaland, where local officers and associations have long emphasized the importance of protecting state representation in the IAS through transparent, merit-driven procedures.
