Advisor for Water Resources Tongpang Ozukum, through a starred question, raised questions about districts that were unable to fill their allotted quota in the ongoing police constable recruitment due to candidates failing the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). He also sought details on the total number of posts that remain unfilled.

Replying to the question, Patton informed the House that certain districts were indeed unable to fill their allotted quota as several candidates failed the physical fitness test. He stated that Mokokchung has 43 unfilled posts, Longleng one, Tseminyu three, and Wokha one.

He further said that Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland together have 30 unfilled posts for male candidates and two for female candidates, bringing the total number of vacancies to 80.

While acknowledging the reply, Ozukum appreciated the initiative of the Home Department in conducting the constable recruitment after a long gap, stating that it was a welcome step particularly for unemployed youth in the state.

In a supplementary question, Ozukum asked whether the unfilled posts would be filled through a separate recruitment process for the concerned districts. Responding to this, Patton clarified that there will be no separate recruitment for these vacancies and the posts will not be included in the next departmental recruitment advertisement. Instead, the backlog vacancies will be advertised separately through a dedicated recruitment drive, and the posts will remain within the respective districts and tribes concerned.

During the discussion, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said aspiring candidates should be physically fit to compete. He added that while candidates may be given a second chance, the posts should not remain vacant indefinitely. Rio also raised concerns over graduates and postgraduates applying for Grade-IV posts, questioning their sincerity. In this regard, he suggested that appropriate mechanisms be put in place to review the matter.

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Legislators Kuzholuzo Nienu, Achumbemo Kikon and Pongshi Phom raised concerns and offered suggestions regarding the physical and written tests. The members suggested that the department review the weightage of the written examination and place greater emphasis on the physical test, noting that policing largely requires physical capability.

Responding to the suggestions, the Deputy Chief Minister said the views expressed by the members have been taken into consideration and a report will be submitted after review.

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