JCC calls off strike after Nagaland Cabinet decides to revisit IAS induction process

DIMAPUR — The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) comprising five government employees’ associations has called off its pen-down and tools-down strike after the Nagaland Cabinet decided to revisit the entire process of inducting Non-State Civil Service (Non-SCS) officers into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

In a late night statement issued on Thursday, the JCC acknowledged the Cabinet’s decision and announced its move to suspend all forms of agitation with immediate effect.

The development came hours after the state Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, resolved to recall the panel of names submitted to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the 2024 IAS induction from Nagaland and to re-examine all previous decisions on the matter.

The JCC—which includes the Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees’ Association (CANSSEA), Federation of Nagaland State Engineering Service Association (FONSESA), Nagaland In-service Doctors’ Association (NIDA), Nagaland Secretariat Services Association (NSSA) and Nagaland Finance and Accounts Service Association (NF&ASA)—stated that it “firmly believes the government will abide by its decision in letter and in spirit and uphold meritocracy.”

Also read: Nagaland Cabinet recalls IAS list, orders fresh review

The JCC had launched the state-wide pen-down and tools-down strike demanding that the government withdraw the induction process, which it claimed violated established service norms and fairness in selection.

With the Cabinet now recalling the list and promising a transparent review in consultation with the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and other stakeholders, the associations maintained that they expect the process to be conducted “strictly on merit and in accordance with rules.”