Kohima: Activists gathered in Kohima this Saturday to push for fair hiring practices. The Nagaland NET Qualified Forum and the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland held a public discussion at the Old NST Parking Area. They want the government to clean up recruitment within the Nagaland Public Service Commission and the Nagaland Staff Selection Board.
Videkhono Yhokha, an advisor for the forum, laid out the history of a legal battle starting in 2019. The group challenged backdoor hirings that lacked public advertisements. Yhokha argued these moves violate constitutional rights. “Without advertisements means violation of our constitutional rights, Article 14 and 16, Right to equality and Right to equal opportunity.”
Courts dismissed the case twice, in 2022 and 2025, citing technical grounds. However, a two-judge bench overruled those decisions on September 23, 2026. The new ruling effectively quashed the previous dismissals. It ordered the state to stop extending existing contracts and instead create and advertise new posts.
The movement insists it is not an attack on the government. A forum representative noted that they seek to improve systemic integrity. They claim the work will help qualified candidates serve the public better. The fight continues.
Economic stakes remain high. A member of the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland cited 2017-18 labor survey data showing the state had the highest unemployment rate in India at 21.4 percent. The lack of private industry makes government roles the primary path for many graduates.
Er Meshenlo Kath, the group's convenor, warned that the government has ignored their recent three-point ultimatum. They plan to issue a re-appeal next week. If the authorities stay silent, they will return to the streets. The struggle for merit remains a priority.
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