CTAN meets with Forest Dept to flag contentious appointments

83 posts to be advertised in 6 months

Morung Express News
Kohima | April 20

The Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) has raised multiple concerns with the Forest Department, while also highlighting key outcomes from recent engagements, including promotions and assurances on fresh recruitment.

Addressing a press conference this evening at the office of the Kohima Press Club, the CTAN Convenor Meshenlo Kath said it had submitted a representation to the department on January 29, 2026, listing 11 points backed by documents and detailed observations. This was followed by request for a joint meeting on February 9, and a meeting was subsequently held on February 11 with officials from the PCCF office.

During the meeting, CTAN raised several issues, including the contentious appointment of Forester Grade I in 2022, which the organisation has alleged that five were backdoor appointments, and had demanded for termination. “We had a detailed discussion, and while not all concerns were resolved, there were some points where we could come to an agreement,” Kath said.

With regard to CTAN’s demand to either conduct re-examination of the Forest Guard Recruitment 2025, the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) & Head of Forest Force in its communication to CTAN on April 16 that the matter had been forwarded to the Government for perusal and further action. 

However, it stated that “re-examination” is not a viable option as the recruitment process is in the final stage with re-verification of the examination paper completed and
Government approval of final select list has also been received. 

“The demand for re- examination by unsuccessful candidates may also be seen in the light of the legal Doctrine of ‘approbate and reprobate’” stated the PCCF in its communication.

With regard to the second option of advertising subsequent vacancies of Forest Guard with eligibility for only those candidates who have cleared the walking test of Forest Guard Recruitment 2025, the Department stated that such an advertisement will be an infringement of Article 16 of the Constitution and as such the recruitment advertisement should be open to all eligible candidates. 

The department also informed that currently, there are 54 vacancies at Forest Guard level and a total of 29 promotional vacancies at higher levels (i.e. Forester I &ll) wherein these vacancies will be cumulatively advertised subsequently as and when promotions are processed and effected.

Kath noted that on March 7, the department accepted part of their proposal, resulting in the promotion of 43 forest guards to Forester Grade II (Pay Matrix Level 6). “This was a positive step. Many of these personnel had been waiting for years,” he said.

He also informed that on March 18, the Forestry Graduate Association of Nagaland wrote to the department seeking clarity on staffing and impending retirements, giving a 30-day window for response. According to data shared, several posts are expected to fall vacant in the coming months, including a significant number of Forester positions.

Subsequently, he stated that the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) has assured that 83 Forest Guard posts will be advertised within six months, with effect from April 15, 2026 which he said, came “after multiple rounds of discussion and it is now on record.” 

Also with concerns surrounding the recent Forest Guard recruitment results, which had drawn complaints, Kath said, the department has assured that corrective steps will be taken to ensure transparency in future examinations.

In connection with the controversy, Kath revealed that seven individuals have been suspended. “We were informed that the suspension was linked to errors in data entry related to the results, though we have not been shown the official order,” he said when questioned about the reason for suspension.

CTAN maintained that it has made every effort to push for justice, particularly for the aspirants. “We don’t take up issues halfway. Whatever we raise, we pursue seriously,” Kath asserted.

He further urged aggrieved candidates to come forward with concrete evidence stating “if there are solid documents, share them with us. Without evidence, it becomes difficult to pursue,” he added.

CTAN also indicated that it remains open to taking up the matter again if fresh evidence emerges, reiterating its commitment to work with the public on issues of common concern.

Meanwhile in regard to the assistant professor posts, a CTAN member, Kaqheto Kughutu informed that 130 posts has been requisitioned to NPSC while 34 posts is awaiting clearance from P&AR. “We are hopeful that it will be done soon and the total will come to 164” he stated while adding more post creation are required to meet the requirement.