NOA seeks 5% sports quota in Nagaland govt recruitment

Urges CM to prioritise provision in upcoming Police, NSSB recruitmentsKohima, October 18 (MExN): The Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) has urged Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to consider and approve, in principle, a comprehensive sports quota policy for government recruitment, with particular priority to the Nagaland Police and recruitment conducted through the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB).It also sought directions to the concerned departments to initiate policy formulation and administrative processes at the earliest.In a representation dated October 12, NOA Secretary General Abu Metha, on behalf of the association and its affiliated State Sports Associations, proposed that the State Government consider reserving 5% of eligible government vacancies for meritorious sportspersons, subject to applicable rules and statutory provisions.The NOA also called for additional marks for recognised sporting achievements, direct appointments for outstanding international medal winners, and out-of-turn promotions and other career incentives for sportspersons in government service.The association proposed a transparent grading system to recognise achievements at international, national, regional and State-level competitions, including medals and other recognised achievements at the Nagaland State and Para Games. It also called for the explicit inclusion of para-athletes and provisions for medical coverage, injury rehabilitation, training support and other welfare measures.To develop the proposed framework, the NOA recommended constituting a committee comprising representatives of the Home Department, Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department, Police Headquarters, Youth Resources and Sports Department, NSSB and the association.The committee would examine existing policies of the Central Government and other states, recommend a framework suited to Nagaland, and identify necessary amendments to recruitment and service rules.The NOA further called for transparent procedures to verify sporting credentials, assess eligibility and conduct selections, with safeguards against fraudulent certificates and misuse of the proposed provisions.Justifying the proposal, the NOA described sports quota recruitment as an investment in Nagaland’s future rather than merely an employment initiative. It stated that sporting excellence requires years of dedication, sacrifice and perseverance, with athletes bringing recognition to the State and the country through their achievements.Such recognition would provide young people, particularly those from remote and economically disadvantaged communities, with a viable pathway to secure careers, it held. Such recognition could encourage wider participation in sports, promote discipline and unity, strengthen sporting ecosystem, and help Nagaland contribute more significantly to India’s participation in major international competitions, it added.The representation, shared by Metha on X on Sunday, also urged the Chief Minister to accord priority consideration to the proposal so that eligible sportspersons could benefit from forthcoming recruitment exercises.NOA’s prayers to CM1.     Consider and approve, in principle, the introduction of a comprehensive Sports Quota Policy in government recruitment, with particular priority to the Nagaland Police and recruitment conducted through the NSSB. 2.     Concerned departments be directed to examine the proposal and initiate the necessary policy formulation and administrative processes at the earliest.Proposed Policy Framework and ImplementationA committee may be entrusted with examining the existing policies of the Government of India and other progressive states, and recommending an appropriate Sports Quota Policy for Nagaland. The committee may specifically examine: •     Introduction of a 5% Sports Quota in eligible government recruitment, subject to applicable rules and statutory provisions. •     Necessary amendments to recruitment and service rules. •     Special recruitment drives for eligible sportspersons. •     Additional meritorious marks for sporting achievements, including recognised achievements at the Nagaland State & Para Games. •    Direct appointments for outstanding international medal winners. •    Out-of-turn promotions and other service incentives. •     Explicit inclusion of meritorious para-athletes. •    Athlete welfare, medical coverage and training support. •     Transparent verification, selection &  monitoring mechanisms.