In a major development concerning the Forest Department recruitment issue, the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) announced that 43 Forest Guards have been processed for promotion and that 83 Forest Guard posts would be advertised within six months, following sustained intervention by the association.
Addressing a press conference at the Kohima Press Club on April 20, CTAN Convenor, Meshenlo stated that the Forest Department had accepted part of CTAN’s proposals submitted earlier this year. As a result, 43 Forest Guards are processed to be promoted. Additionally, the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) has assured that 83 Forest Guard posts will be advertised within six months with effect from April 15, 2026.
Meshenlo said the developments followed a representation submitted by CTAN on January 29, 2026, demanding a re-examination and highlighting 11 points of alleged discrepancies in the Forest Guard recruitment process. The Association had also sought a joint meeting with the department on February 9, which was held on February 11 at the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF).
During the meeting, CTAN raised multiple concerns, including alleged backdoor appointments of five Forester-I posts in 2022 and issues related to the conduct of the Forest Guard examination, such as the non-issuance of OMR sheets and the reported use of markers in certain centres. The department provided clarifications, and discussions led to partial agreements on key demands.
Among CTAN’s proposals were promotion of eligible senior Forest Guards first, followed by filling up remaining vacancies either by allowing qualified physical test candidates to sit for examination or by advertising the posts afresh through open recruitment.
The Association also highlighted that as of now, two Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) posts, nine Ranger posts, and 44 Forester-I posts are vacant. Further, within the next 12 months, six Rangers and 128 Foresters are due to retire.
CTAN urged the department to send requisition papers to the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) within 30 days.
Regarding the recently declared Forest Guard results on April 15, Meshenlo said he had requested the CCF on April 14 evening to withhold the declaration due to confusion over certain issues. However, the results were already forwarded to media houses.
In a written reply dated April 14, the Department responded to the 11 points raised by CTAN, including allegations that correction pens were allowed in some examination centres. The Department maintained that no written complaint had been received and that evaluators were instructed not to award marks in cases of overwriting or use of correction fluid.
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Meshenlo further stated that during a meeting with PCCF Temjen Yapang and the CCF on April 15, it was agreed that 26 Forester-I posts already sent to NPSC would require amendment of outdated service rules before recruitment proceeds. As a one-time dispensation, the Department would write to NPSC and NSSB seeking permission to advertise the posts with graduation as the qualification during the amendment process. If rejected, the posts will be kept in abeyance until service rules are amended.
He also informed that seven departmental personnel have been suspended and a fact-finding committee constituted following multiple complaints.
“From CTAN’s side, we have tried our best to deliver justice to the aspirants. Because of our efforts, promotions have been processed and 83 posts will be advertised. If required, and if aspirants are not satisfied, we are prepared to pursue legal action,” Meshenlo stated.
CTAN Co-Convenor, Kaqheto Kughutu added that the Association had consistently taken up the Forest Guard issue based on complaints from aspirants. He said the 11 points submitted to the department would be made public through the media and assured that CTAN would continue to stand with the aspirants if further action is required.
