NASSA demands revocation of Antony’s appointment

The Nagaland Assembly Secretariat Staff Association (NASSA) demanded the revocation of the appointment of Dr P J Antony from the post of Principal Secretary in the Assembly Secretariat by June 13.

The NASSA made the demand through a representation submitted by its Joint Action Committee (JAC) to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Sharingain Longkumer on Thursday, stated a press release jointly issued by NASSA secretary Talirenla and JAC secretary Sezoto Theyo here on Friday.

They said that the JAC in its meeting held on Friday re-affirmed and resolved to adhere to its earlier resolution and strive to fight for the revocation of the appointment order of Dr P J Antony (retired officer) to the post of principal secretary in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Secretariat.

An ultimatum had been served to the competent authority to revoke/cancel the appointment order of Antony latest by June 13, they said.

The Assembly Secretariat staff cautioned that in the event of the failure to address the ultimatum within the specified period, the JAC resolved to prevent

Antony from entering the premises of the NLA Secretariat Complex.

Meanwhile, the Assembly authorities have reportedly submitted their affidavits to the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench on the writ petition filed against the extension of service of Antony by NASSA. The Court has fixed the hearing for June 15, NASSA vice president Rocus Rino said.

Antony was appointed as secretary of the NLA secretariat on deputation from Lok Sabha secretariat on January 2, 2020. He retired from regular service on May 31, 2020.

However, he was re-appointed by the state government with the approval of the Cabinet as Commissioner and Secretary (on contract basis) by upgrading the cadre post of the Secretary for a period of two years w.e.f., 01.06.2020 to 31.05.2022 to head the administration of the NLA Secretariat.

As the contract of Antony was due to expire on May 31, 2022, the NASSA submitted a representation dated April 21, 2022, to the NLA Speaker requesting him not to further extend his service. However, Dr Antony’s service has been further extended by upgrading his post to Principal Secretary from that of Commissioner and Secretary of the Assembly Secretariat.