Government employees in Nagaland have announced a three-day Pen Down Strike starting October 14, 2025, across all state offices. The strike, organized by the Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees’ Association (CANSSEA), comes in protest against the inclusion of a non-NPSC (Nagaland Public Service Commission) candidate in the select list of Non-State Civil Service (Non-SCS) officers for induction into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
In a circular issued by CANSSEA, the association expressed deep dissatisfaction with what it called the government’s “silence and nonchalant attitude” despite repeated appeals for merit-based selection. The Confederation accused the state administration of “subverting meritocracy” and allowing “backdoor officers” into one of India’s most prestigious services.
The decision to stage the strike followed recommendations from the Core Committee and Action Committee of the association. The protest focuses on two main demands: the withdrawal of the non-NPSC candidate from the IAS induction list, finalized on September 25, 2025, and the restoration of the Vacancy Circular dated March 10, 2025, to ensure transparency and merit-based future selections. 
CANSSEA said that the Pen Down Strike would be peaceful, with essential and emergency services exempted. Departments are instructed to finalize modalities, while members are expected to maintain attendance and follow official protocols during the strike period.
