CTAN supports demand for age relaxation for govt. job aspirants

DIMAPUR — The Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) has expressed support for the Concerned Aspirants Group’s demand for age relaxation for entry into government services up to 37 years.

In a press statement, CTAN referred to a representation submitted to the Chief Minister by the Concerned Aspirants Group on July 22. The representation demanded that the age relaxation for entry into government services be extended to 37 years. CTAN stated that the group’s genuine cause has been pursued impartially for the collective benefit of all aspirants.

The statement noted that some aspirants had been deprived of their right to appear for NPSC/NSSB examinations due to the age limitation rule, which allows candidates to sit for these exams only up to the age of 35. The Concerned Aspirants Group’s issue arises from the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a two-year delay in competitive examinations, affecting all aspirants regardless of age.

The statement mentioned that the government, acknowledging the COVID-19 gap, issued an order from the Personnel and Administrative Reforms (P&AR) department granting a two-year relaxation for aspirants. However, this order, No. AR-5/ASSO/98 (vol-1), benefits candidates over 35 years old from the time of its implementation. It claimed that the relaxation fails to address the concerns of aspirants nearing 35 years of age and those younger.

The CTAN stated that the P&AR order should be extended for an additional five years. It highlighted that unemployment frustration is at its peak across India, with Nagaland having one of the highest numbers of unemployed youths.

The association called for steadfast commitment from the highest authorities to address the issues faced by unemployed youths and expressed hope that the competent authority will deliver justice.