Deputy CM Patton updates details about constable recruitment

KOHIMA — Deputy CM Y Patton, who is also Minister in-charge of Home, on Friday said that the recruitment of constables, which has been opened after a gap of four years, will be conducted in all the districts for seven uniform service departments.

He was replying to a starred question raised by MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu on the last day of NLA session, seeking to know details about the recruitment of constables under the Home department.

Informing that an open recruitment would be conducted for Constable (GD), Constable (MT), and Constable (NPTO) posts, he said the department is finalising the total number of posts to be advertised.

The eligibility criteria will include candidates aged between 18 and 35 years, with a one-time age relaxation of three years, extending the limit up to 38 years as of Jan. 22, 2024. Educational qualifications will vary with Class 8 passed certificate required for general category and Class 6 for backward tribes. Norms specified by the department will be adhered to in regard to physical and medical standards, he said, while clarifying that the recruitment would not be based on the existing reservation policy but on tribal quotas as per the population ratio.

Meanwhile, Advisor KT Sukhalu suggested raising the educational qualification for constables, pointing out that it will be necessary to effectively carry out their duties, including registering cases and writing FIRs if they are promoted to Investigation Officers (IOs) later.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also said that recruitment of constables would be conducted soon, basing on the tribal population ratio, which will include smaller tribes and non-Naga inhabitants of Nagaland like Kuki, Garo, Kachari, and Mikhir.

Pointing out that police have become ‘very indisciplined’ and ineffective, he said the recruitment interviews would be held in all the districts but doesn’t mean the recruits will be sent back to their home district, citing the pressure on political leaders for such transfer.

He also advised members not to recommend any transfers based on location preference, saying that it should be left to the headquarters to decide.