NMSA members during their pe aceful agitation in Kohima on September 1. (Morung Photo)
Kohima, September 2 (MExN): The Nagaland Medical Students’ Association’s (NMSA) peaceful agitation against the State Government’s move to regularise 280 contractual COVID appointees entered its third day on September 2, with the Association cautioning that the protest would be intensified if its demands continued to be ignored.
The protest, which began on August 30, was triggered by a notification issued on August 18 by the Department of Health & Family Welfare (DoHFW), calling for the direct regularisation of the posts through a departmental screening committee.
According to the NMSA, such a move undermines fairness in public recruitment and disregards established procedures. On September 1, the Association submitted a formal representation to the Government, reiterating its demand for the immediate revocation of the August 18 notification. It also urged that all sanctioned posts be requisitioned to the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) or the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) for open recruitment.
The Association further pressed for written examinations and viva voce to be conducted under the purview of these bodies, in strict adherence to existing service rules and recruitment procedures.
Despite submitting its representation, it noted that as of September 2, no response had been received from the Government.
Expressing dissatisfaction, the NMSA cautioned that if the authorities failed to address and comply with its demands, it would be compelled to intensify the agitation and move into the next phase of protest.
Reaffirming its stand, the NMSA said it remained committed to ensuring transparency, fairness and justice in public recruitment. It also appealed for the continued understanding and support of the public as the agitation progresses.
It may be noted that the DoHFW, in a clarification issued on August 31, stated that the notification for the regularisation of 98 COVID-19 medical officers was issued in accordance with a court ruling.
The Department further pointed out that any form of protest at present is unwarranted, as the matter remains sub judice owing to an appeal against the ruling.
The clarification, however, was remaining on the remaining posts.
