In Nagaland’s public service discourse, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the Central Tenyimi Agencies of Nagaland – Nagaland Naga Qualified Forum (CTAN-NNQF) have officially called off their agitation following the state Cabinet’s decision to revoke a controversial regularisation order that had sparked statewide protests.
The move comes after weeks of intense demonstrations and public mobilization, with protestors demanding transparency, fairness, and merit-based recruitment in the state’s public service system. The Cabinet’s decision to cancel the earlier order—which would have regularized 221 contractual and ad-hoc government employees without following due process—has been widely welcomed by student bodies, civil society organizations, and job aspirants across the state.
The Regularisation Controversy: A Blow to Meritocracy
The dispute began when the Nagaland government issued an order to regularize hundreds of contractual and ad-hoc employees in various departments. This decision bypassed the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and violated established recruitment norms, sparking widespread anger among qualified unemployed youth who had been preparing for competitive exams.
The NSF and CTAN-NNQF termed the move “unconstitutional” and a serious threat to the merit-based recruitment system. They argued that such backdoor appointments not only deprive deserving candidates of rightful opportunities but also set a dangerous precedent in public sector employment.
Protests erupted across Kohima and other major towns, with thousands joining peaceful marches, sit-ins, and candlelight vigils. Protestors carried placards demanding “Justice for Qualified Youth” and “End Backdoor Appointments,” pressing the government to revoke the order.
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Government Bows to Pressure: Order Revoked
Responding to the growing pressure, the Nagaland Cabinet held an emergency meeting earlier this week and unanimously decided to revoke the regularisation order. The Cabinet acknowledged the concerns raised by the public and affirmed its commitment to uphold meritocracy, transparency, and equal opportunity in public employment.
In an official statement, the government said, “The Cabinet has considered the feedback received from various stakeholders, including student organizations and the public. In view of the legal and ethical implications, the regularisation order stands revoked with immediate effect.”
This decisive action was met with relief and applause from the NSF and CTAN-NNQF leadership, who then announced the suspension of their agitation.
NSF and CTAN-NNQF React: “Victory for the Youth”
In a joint press conference, leaders of the NSF and CTAN-NNQF declared the Cabinet’s revocation a “people’s victory” and a step in the right direction for Nagaland’s youth. They thanked the people of Nagaland for their unwavering support and emphasized the importance of safeguarding institutional integrity and fair recruitment processes.
NSF President Medovi Rhi stated, “This is not just about a single order, but about preserving the values of fairness and merit in government employment. We will remain vigilant and continue to advocate for systemic reforms.”
The CTAN-NNQF also urged the government to ensure that all future appointments go through proper channels like the NPSC or open competitive examinations and called for the strengthening of oversight mechanisms to prevent recurrence of such issues.
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A Turning Point for Public Recruitment in Nagaland?
This episode has brought to the fore longstanding concerns regarding nepotism and irregular appointments in Nagaland’s bureaucracy. Civil society groups and analysts say the strong public reaction and the government’s course correction indicate a shift toward greater accountability.
Many believe that the public’s support for the NSF and CTAN-NNQF’s movement signals a generational demand for reform—one that prioritizes transparency, merit, and rule of law over political favoritism.
A Win for Democracy and Fair Governance
The successful rollback of the controversial regularisation order and the subsequent withdrawal of protests by the NSF and CTAN-NNQF represent a crucial milestone in Nagaland’s civic and political landscape. It underscores the power of peaceful protest and constructive dialogue in bringing about policy change.
As the dust settles, all eyes will now be on the state government to ensure that public recruitment follows transparent procedures, and that the voices of the youth are heard in shaping a more equitable future for Nagaland.
