The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Tuesday raised serious concerns over alleged illegal and irregular appointments in multiple government departments across Nagaland.
Addressing the media, NSF President, Mteisuding Heraang stated that the Federation wanted to highlight what it termed as “backdoor appointments” that undermine meritocracy, transparency, and fairness in the system. He reiterated that the NSF has consistently taken a firm stand against such practices to safeguard the interests of students and youth.
The Federation informed that it had issued an ultimatum to the state government on March 20, 2026, addressed to the Chief Secretary, following the detection of irregular appointments across 16 departments. These include Nagaland State Transport, Public Health Engineering, Sericulture, Home Guards & Civil Defence, Food & Civil Supplies, Information & Public Relations, Urban Development, Taxes, Industries & Commerce, Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Economics & Statistics, Law & Justice, Agriculture, Water Resources, Public Works Department, and Land Records & Survey.
According to NSF, a total of 109 posts were identified as having been filled through backdoor or improper means, raising concerns at a time when many qualified candidates are seeking fair opportunities through competitive examinations.
Citing the June 6, 2016 Office Memorandum issued by the Government of Nagaland, the Federation noted that there has been a clear ban on contract appointments, and any recruitment under the purview of the Nagaland Public Service Commission must strictly follow due procedures.
It further pointed out that a subsequent Office Memorandum dated March 10, 2022, prescribing guidelines for issuing appointment orders, had also been violated in several instances.
Providing a breakdown, NSF Vice President, Vimeyiekho Vitso revealed that out of the 109 posts, 13 fall under the purview of NPSC (illegally appointed between 2018–2021), while 96 posts fall under the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (2019–2023). Among these, 82 posts were filled on a regular basis, 16 on contract, 8 temporary, 2 casual, and 1 on an ad hoc basis—all allegedly without open advertisement or proper recruitment procedures.
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The NSF emphasized that such appointments deprive deserving candidates of fair opportunities and violate the principles of open competition. It clarified that the identification of 16 departments is only the beginning, adding that further investigations are underway and more cases may be exposed.
The Federation also expressed concern over the lack of cooperation from certain departments in furnishing information, despite repeated efforts through RTI applications. It issued a stern warning that failure to comply would invite stronger action, as NSF remains committed to eliminating nepotism and ensuring accountability.
Meanwhile, the NSF stated that the state government has taken note of the issue. Referring to a communication dated May 4, 2026, from the Chief Secretary’s office, the Federation said the matter has been forwarded to a Cabinet Sub-Committee for examination. The NSF also held a discussion with the Chief Secretary, who assured that the issue of illegal appointments would be taken up in an upcoming Cabinet meeting.
The Federation said it would await the outcome of the Cabinet deliberations scheduled for May 6 and will decide its future course of action accordingly.
Calling the issue a “movement” rather than a mere protest, the NSF appealed to citizens to extend their support in its fight for the rights of students, youth, and the broader Naga society.
