Kohima, Several lawmakers in Nagaland on Monday expressed concern in the Assembly over the recruitment standards for state police officers, with some suggesting a review of the balance between physical and written examinations.
The MLAs raised the issue during Question Hour on the recent Nagaland Police constable recruitment drive conducted in January 2026 to fill 1,176 posts, where 80 posts remained vacant after candidates failed to qualify in physical aptitude tests.
While raising the issue, NPF MLA Tongpang Ozukum welcomed the government’s decision to conduct the recruitment after a long gap, noting that it was a great opportunity for the unemployed youth in the state. However, he noted that of the 1,176 jobs advertised, 80 positions were still vacant in five regions.
According to the data cited by Uzokum, the highest number of vacancies were from Mokokchung district with 43 vacant positions, followed by Tuensang with 32, while Tasminyo had three, and Longleng and Wuka had one position each.
While admitting that it was not the administration’s fault, Ozokum suggested giving another chance to the areas concerned through a separate recruitment drive or by adding the backlog of jobs to future recruitment.
In response to the inquiry, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Y Patton, confirmed that 80 posts remained vacant. He clarified that not only would there be immediate separate recruitment for these posts, but he assured the House that the vacancies would still be allocated to the respective provinces and tribes and would be carried forward as backlogged vacancies in the next recruitment drive.
During the discussion, MLA Kuzholozo Nienu expressed his appreciation for the fairness of the physical and medical tests, but raised concerns about the written examination. He noted that candidates with basic qualifications have to compete with graduates with higher education, making the competition unequal. He suggested that the administration study ways to review the system to ensure fairness for candidates from less fortunate areas.
MLA Achumbemo Kikon also suggested reducing the weight of written marks and focusing more on physical tests, noting that police duties require more physical strength and field work.
In response to the suggestions, Patton said that the views expressed by members would be studied and the recruitment system would be reviewed.
Prime Minister Neiphiu Rio also stressed that police service primarily requires physical fitness, and candidates must prepare themselves accordingly. He suggested giving vacant positions in the provinces concerned a second chance, but warned that vacant positions should not remain indefinitely.
Patton also informed the House that while the minimum educational qualification is Class 8 for forward tribes and Class 6 for backward tribes, the ministry will review the recruitment process, especially the balance between written and physical examinations, in the next recruitment process.
This article was generated from an automated news feed without any modifications to the text.
