ENSF against ‘pick and choose’ policy

Agitation to continue as govt yet to ‘intimate the federation officially’ 

Morung Express News
Kohima | April 21

“Stop marketing government jobs; transparency and meritocracy for aspirants; stop victimising innocent aspirants; no justice, no rest; we will protest until the GoN fulfil our demand; implement transparent NSSB etc,” read some of the placards displayed at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat this morning, April 21.

The Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation (ENSF) has launched an indefinite agitation against non fulfilment of its 30-day ultimatum served to the State Government demanding incorporation of all exempted posts and departments in the regulations of the NSSB.

ENSF president, Chingmak Chang said that “Group C posts which are exempted from the purview of NSSB mentioned under scheduled-A should be brought under NSSB purview for preliminary and written exam and other practical skill/physical proficiency and interview should be conducted by the respective department.”

“Recruitment to the post of constable/fireman constable/warder/female warder in Police, Prisons, Nagaland Lokayukta, NPTO, HG/CD and Department of Fire and Emergency Services (sister departments), Excise and Forest Guards in the EF&CC should be brought under NSSB purview for preliminary and written examination and other practical skill/physical proficiency and interview should be conducted by the respective department,” he added.

Informing that the other four charters of demand have been recommended by the Cabinet Sub-Committee, Chang said the reason the students are on the street today was to incorporate all exempted departments and posts under the purview of NSSB.

Chang also reminded the ENSF’s fight for transparent implementation of the NSSB, beginning in 2020. 

Speaking at the launching programme of the agitation, Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO) President, Tsakpikyu Sangtam stated that this fight is for the common good of all Nagas and not confined to one particular section of society. 

“You shouldn’t take rest as you are fighting for your tomorrow. NSSB is for justice, against corruption, nepotism, backdoor appointment and tribalism” he asserted. He urged all students’ bodies to come together, share, discuss and fight together till justice is served.

Extending solidarity to the ENSF, Belila, Vice President, Eastern Naga Women Organisation (ENWO) said, “The government cannot sideline any written request... it is only wise to look into the matter with urgency since the demand is genuine and for the welfare of the unemployed youth of the Nagas.”

“The students stand here today against corruption and backdoor appointment and if this is the reaction of the leaders in power today, the future of the Nagas will have no clarity and certainty” she reminded grimly.

NSF President, Kegwayhun Tep extending solidarity said “this fight is to ensure that meritocracy, fairness and justice is delivered to our people” adding that the purpose of setting up of NSSB is to “recruit the right person to the right job” to ensure progress and development.

Alleging that the government has been trying to confuse the federations by playing delaying tactics in implementation of NSSB, Tep said “we cannot allow the government of the day to further divide the minds of the people.”

Speaking on behalf of the seven federating units, CWS President, Pongsu Chang said justice is being denied to the aspirants by the delaying tactics of the State Government, thereby destroying the career and future of students.

Meanwhile, a press release from the ENSF on Thursday evening said that while the State Government has reportedly agreed in principal to include all those exempted departments and posts under the purview of the NSSB, their agitation would continue as the “government is yet to intimate the federation officially.”