Nagaland recruitment has come under renewed scrutiny after the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) demanded changes to the state government’s new manpower rationalisation guidelines. The association has asked the government to withdraw provisions requiring prior clearance from the Manpower Rationalisation Committee (MRC) and the Cabinet before departments can send vacancies for recruitment. CTAN says the rule could delay the filling of government posts and affect the functioning of established recruiting agencies.
New rule puts vacancy clearance under scrutiny
The state government issued an Office Memorandum on September 14 titled “Operational Guidelines on Interim Measures for Manpower Rationalisation”. The memorandum directs departments and government establishments to follow a new process before filling vacant posts or initiating fresh recruitment.
CTAN has specifically opposed Point 2 of the memorandum and its sub-points. Under Point 2(a), proposals to fill vacant posts or undertake fresh recruitment cannot be processed by an administrative department without prior examination by the MRC.
Another provision requires departments, boards, state public sector undertakings and other government institutions to obtain recommendations from the MRC, the State Level Committee on Expenditure Rationalisation and Manpower (SLC-ERRM), followed by a Cabinet decision, before issuing advertisements or requisitions to recruiting agencies.
CTAN has clarified that it is not opposing manpower rationalisation as a whole. Instead, it is objecting to provisions governing vacancies and fresh recruitment.
CTAN seeks direct recruitment process
The association has argued that departments should continue forwarding vacancies directly to the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB), as was done previously.
According to CTAN, adding multiple layers of approval could slow down recruitment and create uncertainty over when vacant posts will be advertised. The association has also raised concerns that departments could use the new provisions as a reason for not forwarding vacancies to recruiting agencies.
CTAN warned that it could take the issue to the streets if its concerns are not addressed. The association has submitted its representation to the Chief Secretary and other authorities, seeking changes in the recruitment process.
Nagaland recruitment row linked to 43 pending posts
The dispute has also intensified around the ongoing Combined Staff Recruitment Examination (CSRE). CTAN said more than 30,000 aspirants are preparing for an examination covering only 11 advertised vacancies.
At the same time, 43 additional requisitioned posts are reportedly awaiting clearance from the MRC. CTAN has asked the NSSB to defer the examination until these vacancies are cleared and included through an addendum.
The association has argued that expanding the vacancy list would give eligible candidates a wider opportunity in the recruitment exercise. The issue has become a central part of CTAN’s broader demand for greater transparency and uniformity in government hiring.
Group C posts also remain a concern
CTAN has renewed its demand to bring eligible Pay Level 3, 4 and 5 posts currently outside the NSSB’s purview under the recruitment board.
The association has pointed to several departments and services whose posts remain exempted, including the Police, Prisons, Nagaland Lokayukta, Police Telecommunications, Home Guards and Civil Defence, Fire and Emergency Services, Excise and the Forest Department. District administration posts are also among those cited by CTAN.
CTAN argues that bringing eligible posts under a common recruitment body could create a more uniform process for Class III and Class IV appointments.
Interview marks add another recruitment concern
The latest demands also include the restoration of an interview-marking provision under the NSSB Regulations, 2020.
CTAN has asked the government to reconsider a November 30, 2023 order that removed Section 45(12). The association said the earlier provision set a minimum of 40% and maximum of 80% of total interview marks. CTAN has raised concerns about the absence of such limits and its possible impact on candidates.
The association has also sought early recruitment for 83 Forest Guard posts and an update on Forester-I recruitment rules and the expected timeline for advertisement.
The government has yet to announce a response to CTAN’s latest demands. The debate now centres on how manpower rationalisation can be implemented while maintaining timely recruitment through the NPSC and NSSB. For thousands of aspirants, the outcome could affect the timing, number and process of future government job opportunities in Nagaland.
Meta description: Nagaland recruitment faces fresh scrutiny as CTAN seeks withdrawal of the vacancy clearance rule and inclusion of pending posts under the NSSB.