Nagaland State Employees to Don Black Ribbons in Protest Against IAS Induction Policy

The Confederation of All Nagaland State Service Employees’ Association (CANSSSEA) has announced a symbolic protest against the Nagaland state government’s recent decision regarding IAS induction from non-SCS (Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe) officers. This protest highlights the growing discontent among state service employees concerning transparency, fairness, and merit-based recruitment in high-level administrative appointments. CANSSSEA, representing a broad spectrum of state employees, has expressed strong opposition to the government’s current policy, which they believe undermines established recruitment norms and threatens the principles of equity and meritocracy.

According to the association, the protest will begin on September 25, 2025, across affiliated associations in the state capital, Kohima. As a part of this symbolic demonstration, employees will wear black ribbons or badges to convey their “bitter resentment” over the government’s alleged disregard for merit-based recruitment. The protest is intended to be peaceful and symbolic, confined to office spaces, ensuring that it does not disrupt official administrative functions. By wearing black ribbons, employees aim to publicly express dissent while maintaining decorum, discipline, and adherence to work responsibilities.

The circular issued by CANSSSEA explains that the protest is a direct response to the government’s move to conduct screening for non-SCS officers without reinstating the Advertisement Circular dated March 10, 2025. Despite multiple representations from employees highlighting the importance of following established recruitment procedures, the government proceeded with the screening process. Employees see this as a deviation from merit-based recruitment norms and a potential violation of procedural fairness, prompting them to undertake this symbolic action to register their grievances.

The protest guidelines emphasize that participating members must continue to follow official protocols, maintain discipline, and attend work regularly. This ensures that the demonstration remains orderly and does not interfere with the functioning of administrative offices. Employees from unaffiliated associations are also invited to join the protest in solidarity, reflecting a collective expression of concern across the state service workforce. The unified stance signifies widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s policy and signals a call for fair and transparent administrative practices.

CANSSSEA has highlighted that the government’s current IAS induction policy for non-SCS officers risks bypassing legally established recruitment procedures. Such actions may compromise merit-based progression and set a concerning precedent for future appointments. The association warns that this approach could erode confidence in the administrative system, especially among state service employees who aspire to fair and equitable advancement based on merit and eligibility criteria.

The circular also mentions that further phases of the protest will be determined and communicated by the association’s Core Committee and Action Committee. This indicates that CANSSSEA is prepared for sustained advocacy, depending on the government’s response, and is structured to maintain an organized and strategic approach to expressing dissent.

Overall, this move underscores the escalating tension between Nagaland state service employees and the government. The protest reflects the employees’ demand for transparency, adherence to merit-based recruitment policies, and equitable administrative practices. It serves as a reminder of the critical importance of fair governance in ensuring trust, accountability, and morale within the state service. Through peaceful and symbolic demonstrations like the black ribbon protest, employees are voicing their collective concern over policies perceived to undermine meritocracy and legal recruitment frameworks in the state administration.