Following the failure of the government to withdraw non NPSC candidates from the Select List of Non SCS officers for induction into the IAS, five State service associations has announced the enforcement of three days pen down strike from October 14.

In a circular issued on October 6, the five associations – Confederation of All Nagaland State Service Employees’ Association (CANSSEA), Federation of Nagaland State Engineering Service Association (FONSESA), Nagaland Secretariat Services Association (NSSA), Nagaland Finance & Accounts Services Association (NF&ASA) and Nagaland In-Service Doctors Association (NIDA)- stated that it has been driven to initiate the next phase of protest in view of “the silence and nonchalant attitude of the Government and no measures taken by the Government to address the grievances of subverting meritocracy”.

The Associations had earlier initiated the first phase agitation wearing black ribbons/badges followed by the second phase poster campaign agitation.

“While it is expected of the Government to uphold merit, it is observed that the Government is in favour of ushering in backdoor officers for induction into the Country’s most prestigious and premier service such as the IAS,” stated the circular.

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On recommendations of the Core Committee & Action Committee, the Associations will enforce the strike across all Government Offices within Nagaland for redressal of its demands:

-Withdrawal of non NPSC candidate from the Select List of Non SCS officers, for induction into the IAS, held on September 25, 2025.

-Restore the Vacancy Circular dated March 10, 2025 in toto for ensuring present and future selection into the IAS from Non SCS ensuring above all merit and transparency.

The pen down strike shall continue along with all forms of resentment enforced earlier viz Black Ribbon/Badges and Poster Campaigns, informed the circular.

It further stated that necessary modalities for exemption of essential and emergency services shall be worked out by respective Departments/Associations.