NMSA members during their peaceful agitation in Kohima on September 1. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 1
The Nagaland Medical Students’ Association (NMSA) continued its peaceful agitation outside the office of Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima on September 1. In a memorandum submitted to the Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare, the association expressed objection to a notification dated August 18, issued by the department which seeks to regularize 98 contractual Medical Officers/Junior Specialists and other contractual health workers (total 280 posts) appointed during the COVID-19 pandemic, through a departmental screening process.
“This decision is arbitrary, unconstitutional, and in direct violation of the Nagaland Health Service Rules, 2006, which mandate that recruitment to Class-I Gazetted posts must be conducted exclusively through the NPSC by way of duly advertised written examinations and viva voce,” stated NMSA president Pito S. Rochill and general secretary Bonoto P. Zimo.
The association also stated that the notification infringes upon fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, including right to equality of opportunity in public employment. NMSA demanded immediate revocation of the notification, immediate requisitioning of all sanctioned posts to NPSC/NSSB for open, merit-based recruitment through duly advertised competitive written examinations, and viva voce in strict adherence to service rules. “Should the department fail to comply with these demands, the NMSA will be compelled to exercise its democratic rights to continue its peaceful agitation in order to safeguard meritocracy and the legitimate rights of medical aspirants in Nagaland,” the Association added.
Meanwhile in a public appeal, the NMSA informed that through the August 18 notification, the Department of Health & Family Welfare sought to regularise 280 contractual posts which includes 122 medical officer Class I Gazetted post (MBBS MO,AYUSH MO, Dental surgeon) through a mere departmental screening committee by passing NPSC, health service rules, fairness, and equality.
“This unjust move violates fundamental rights and endangers the future of deserving aspirants and students,” it stated. The association appealed citizens, student bodies and civil societies, to join them in solidarity as it continue its protest on September 2 at 10:00 AM outside the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima.
