Kohima, Apr 20 (PTI) The Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) on Monday said the state’s Forest department has assured it that 83 vacant Forest Guard posts will be advertised within six months, following discussions over recruitment-related grievances and pending vacancies.
Addressing a press conference in Kohima, CTAN convener Meshenlo Kath said the assurance followed a series of representations and meetings with senior forest officials, including the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), over alleged irregularities in the Forest Guard recruitment process.
Kath said CTAN had raised concerns since January this year over alleged backdoor appointments, examination discrepancies, and promotion-related vacancies, submitting an 11-point representation to the department and seeking corrective measures.
He said after discussions held on April 15, the department agreed that 83 Forest Guard vacancies would be advertised within six months with effect from April 15, 2026.
He said the assurance was placed on record following what he described as extensive deliberations with the department.
CTAN also said 43 promotional posts related to senior Forest Guard positions were discussed, while the association pushed for promotions alongside fresh recruitment to address long-pending vacancies.
On Forester-I posts, Kath said the department had also agreed to seek a one-time dispensation from the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) to allow advertisement and examination of requisitioned posts, pending amendment of service rules.
He said if the proposal is not accepted, the posts would be kept in abeyance until the rules are amended.
Referring to concerns raised over the recent Forest Guard examination, Kath said the department had responded to issues flagged by CTAN, including alleged irregularities related to examination procedures.
He also said the department has suspended seven personnel in connection with result-related discrepancies.
While reiterating its demand for fair and transparent recruitment, CTAN said it was satisfied with the assurances given by the department and expressed hope that stricter safeguards would be put in place to prevent irregularities in future recruitment exercises. PTI NBS NBS RG
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