Kohima, March 12 Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton assured the Nagaland Assembly that the government would not allow any additional collection of money from candidates selected for police training, warning that strict action would be taken against officials if such practices are reported.
Responding to concerns raised by NPF MLA Achumbemo Kikon in the Assembly, Patton said he would not approve any proposal seeking to collect Rs 2,500 from candidates reporting for training after recruitment.
“If such a file comes to the Home Department, I will keep that file in storage until the trainees complete their training,” Patton said, adding that members and candidates should immediately report any such incidents so that the responsible officer could be suspended.
The issue was raised by Kikon, who questioned the Rs 300 application fee collected from candidates for the ongoing police constable recruitment. He pointed out that around 32,000 applicants had applied for 1,176 constable posts, which would amount to nearly Rs 96 lakh collected from applicants.
Stating that many applicants come from economically weaker backgrounds, the MLA said the amount was significant for rural youth seeking government jobs. He noted that while some expenditure may be required for conducting examinations and administrative work, the total cost should not be excessive.
Kikon further expressed concern over reports that candidates selected for training are asked to pay an additional amount for basic amenities at training centres. He questioned whether the Home Department lacked sufficient funds to support the trainees and cautioned that imposing further financial burdens on them would be unfair.
Replying to the concerns, Patton clarified that the Rs 300 application fee was not unique to the police department and that similar charges are collected by other government departments during recruitment processes.
However, he maintained that the government would not permit any additional collection from trainees and assured the House that strict disciplinary action would be taken against any official found imposing such charges.
The Deputy Chief Minister also urged legislators to bring any complaints directly to the government so that immediate action could be taken against erring officials.