Kohima, November 6 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has extended “unequivocal solidarity” to the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) comprising CANSSEA, FONSESA, NSSA, NIDA, and NF&ASA in its pursuit to uphold meritocracy, transparency, and constitutional compliance in the State’s service system.
In a representation addressed to the Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland, the Federation stated that it has “consistently upheld the principle that meritocracy must constitute the inviolable cornerstone of public employment and service induction in Nagaland.” “The integrity of governance and the confidence of the people in public institutions are predicated upon the assurance that every appointment and promotion within the State service is made strictly in conformity with constitutional mandates of equality, fairness and due process,” it stated.
The Federation said it is a matter of “grave concern” that serious procedural discrepancies and irregularities have reportedly arisen in the process of induction into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). It maintained that any consideration of officers who have entered service through “irregular, backdoor or unconstitutional means” constitutes a direct violation of the spirit of meritocracy.
The NSF called upon the State Government to “rectify and nullify any irregular or unconstitutional consideration in the ongoing IAS induction process” and to ensure strict adherence to merit-based and transparent procedures. It recommended that eligibility be limited exclusively to officers who entered service through duly constituted authorities such as the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) or other legitimate recruitment boards in compliance with established service rules and constitutional provisions.
Further, the Federation suggested that a “legally enforceable and transparent selection mechanism” be institutionalized under the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms (P&AR). The mechanism, it said, should incorporate clear eligibility criteria, audit mechanisms, and oversight by a competent authority to ensure that any future induction or promotion process “conforms fully to the principles of justice, procedural fairness and administrative propriety.”
At the same time, the NSF appealed to the JCC to keep its ongoing agitation in temporary abeyance in the larger public interest, noting that prolonged disruptions have begun to impede essential governance and service delivery. “The Naga Students’ Federation remains committed to defend the principles of meritocracy, justice and transparency, and to safeguard the trust of the Naga people in public institutions,” the statement added. “Any compromise on these principles, whether by omission or commission, will be deemed an act contrary to the very spirit of good governance and constitutional rule.”
