KOHIMA, JULY 20 (MExN): A section of aspiring candidates for the recruitment of 46 Excise Constables has raised serious concerns over alleged irregularities in the recruitment process conducted by the Departmental Recruitment Board (DRB) under the Excise Department. The concerns were conveyed through a representation submitted to relevant authorities and shared with the media for public awareness and necessary action.
According to the candidates, the initial advertisement for the recruitment of 40 Excise Constables was issued on April 7, 2025, and later revised to 46 posts via an addendum dated May 14, 2025. The notification clearly outlined a two-tier selection process comprising a Physical Test and a Viva Voce.
However, following an RTI application filed on May 17, 2025, by a concerned citizen regarding compliance with Supreme Court guidelines that restrict interview marks to a maximum of 12%, the DRB issued a corrigendum on June 4, 2025, introducing a written examination into the selection process. The RTI reply confirmed that the Physical Test would be qualifying in nature (with no marks), while the Viva Voce would carry 12% of the total marks.
The candidates argued that the addition of a written test after the RTI was filed raises doubts about the transparency and preparedness of the recruitment board. It also indicates that the DRB may not have been fully conversant with relevant service rules and judicial guidelines at the outset.
In a follow-up RTI filed on June 12, 2025, the Public Information Officer of the department revealed that the current marking scheme allots- Physical Test: Qualifying only, no marks; Written Test: 100 marks; Viva Voce: 12 marks.
This structure brings the total to 112 marks, with the interview accounting for approximately 10.71%—a discrepancy from the earlier RTI response, which mentioned 12% of the total marks.
The petitioners also noted that past recruitment drives in 2018 and 2019 maintained a consistent two-tier process (Physical Test and Viva Voce) with no written examination. They contended that the sudden inclusion of a written test, especially without updating the minimum qualification (Class 8 and above), unfairly disadvantages candidates with lower educational backgrounds and deviates from the level playing field.
Further, they expressed concern that physical fitness—a vital criterion for constable posts—has been rendered ineffective in the selection process, as it carries no marks. They urged the authorities to consider assigning measurable value to the physical test to reflect the nature of the role.
Citing the Nagaland Excise Service (Revised) Rules, 1999, the candidates stated that a proper recruitment board must be constituted before issuing advertisements. They referenced a letter (No. EX/ESTT/4/2010/541 dated March 4, 2025) from the Excise Department that supports this requirement, alleging that the DRB has acted beyond its mandate and bypassed procedural norms outlined in Section 5 of the aforementioned service rules.
In light of these developments, the candidates have appealed for a review of the recruitment process and urged the competent authority to ensure fairness, uniformity, and adherence to established norms and legal frameworks.
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