Nagaland government staff strike to intensify over IAS induction dispute

DIMAPUR — The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC)—comprising CANSSEA, FONSESA, NF&ASA, NSSA and NIDA—has announced an escalation of its ongoing pen-down and tools-down strike, citing concerns over alleged favouritism in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) selection process.

In a circular issued on Thursday, the committee stated that it adopted a resolution during a meeting held on October 19 with the All Nagaland Government Drivers' Association, Nagaland Civil Secretariat Drivers' Association, All Nagaland Directorate & District Government Drivers' Union, and the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Grade-IV Staff Employees Association to intensify the strike starting October 27.

“As the pen-down strike enters the 10th day and with the government showing no signs of urgency and resolve, it can be safely assumed that political establishment is deeply involved in the selection process, thereby confirming that the IAS induction process reeks of manipulation and favouritism over merit,” the circular stated.

Also read: Nagaland: JCC demands cancellation of IAS panel list, allege procedural lapses

It further alleged that the government is relegating procedural errors and treating the bureaucracy as a “scapegoat” to facilitate the selection of “their favoured candidate.”

The JCC said that the democratic agitation will continue in phases until the government restores transparency and merit, including the reinstatement of the original March 10, 2025, vacancy circular and the cancellation of the “non-NPSC/backdoor candidate” from the panel list.