Nagaland: NSF urges govt to uphold meritocracy in IAS induction

Dimapur: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Thursday appealed to the Nagaland government to uphold meritocracy and rectify “discrepancies” in the IAS induction process in the state.

In a representation to the chief secretary, the NSF said it is a matter of grave concern that serious procedural discrepancies and irregularities have reportedly arisen in the induction process into the IAS.

The federation stated that it firmly believes any consideration of officers who have entered service through irregular, backdoor, or unconstitutional means constitutes a direct violation of the very spirit of meritocracy.

“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,” it added.

The NSF urged the government to rectify and nullify any irregular or unconstitutional consideration in the ongoing IAS induction process.

It also demanded that the government ensure strict adherence to merit-based and transparent procedures, limiting eligibility exclusively to officers who entered service through duly constituted authorities such as the Nagaland Public Service Commission or other legitimate recruitment boards, in compliance with established service rules and constitutional provisions.

The NSF suggested that the Personnel & Administrative Reforms Department institutionalise a legally enforceable and transparent selection mechanism, incorporating clear eligibility criteria, audit mechanisms, and oversight by a competent authority to ensure that any future induction or promotion process fully conforms to the principles of justice, procedural fairness, and administrative propriety.

While extending solidarity with the genuine concerns expressed by the joint coordination committee of five state employees’ associations in their rightful pursuit to uphold meritocracy, transparency, and constitutional compliance in the state’s service system, the NSF urged the committee to keep its ongoing agitation in temporary abeyance in the larger public interest, saying prolonged disruptions have begun to impede essential governance and service delivery.

The NSF asserted that it remains committed to defending the principles of meritocracy, justice, and transparency, and safeguarding the trust of the Naga people in public institutions.