The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) has decided to continue its ongoing Pen Down Strike even as it has left open a three-day window, till November 3, 2025, for any dialogue that would facilitate the acceptance of its core demands concerning merit-based induction into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) from Nagaland.
The decision followed a meeting convened on the invitation of the Office of the Chief Secretary, Nagaland, held on October 30 with the Chief Secretary, Administrative Heads of Departments, members of the JCC, and office bearers of various Service Associations. The meeting was reportedly called upon the advice of the State Cabinet to find a workable dialogue mechanism to address the JCC’s core demands — the withdrawal of the non-NPSC (Nagaland Public Service Commission) candidate from the IAS panel list and the restoration of the Vacancy Circular dated March 10, 2025.
In a press release issued by the JCC Media Cell, the Committee stated that while it appreciated the initiative of the Chief Secretary’s office in calling the meeting, “a workable dialogue works when one is in a bargaining situation.” It asserted that the demands raised by the JCC, which uphold the principle of meritocracy, are “non-negotiable and non-bargainable.” Therefore, any dialogue that falls short of meeting these core demands would be unacceptable unless it directly facilitates their fulfillment.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The JCC further informed that the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), upon receiving the representations submitted by the JCC, have communicated back placing the onus of resolving the issue squarely upon the State Government.
“The ball is now in the court of the State Government and any act of omission or commission rests solely upon the decisions of the State Government,” the JCC stated, adding that the DoPT or UPSC can no longer be held responsible for the matter.
“The State Government must now take a legal and morally right decision,” it emphasized, pointing out that the responsibility for upholding meritocracy and fairness in the selection process lies entirely with the Government.
Reiterating its firm stand, the JCC conveyed that the ongoing Pen Down Strike would continue until its demands are met. However, it expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue, provided that such discussions are aimed at facilitating the acceptance of its core demands.
As part of this gesture, the JCC announced a three-working-day window, up to November 3, 2025, during which it is open to discussions with the Government. The Committee reiterated its appeal for a fair, transparent, and merit-based approach in the IAS induction process to preserve the integrity of the State’s public service system.
