The Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and the Nursing Aspirants of Nagaland have both raised objections to recent recruitment processes, citing issues with fairness and adherence to established norms.
CTAN has criticized the Health and Family Welfare Department’s special recruitment drive for 280 posts, announced under order dated August 20, 2024. According to CTAN, the order issued bypasses the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) Rule 9(4).
This rule mandates that all posts, whether technical or non-technical, carrying a Pay Band of Rs. 5200-20200 with a Grade Pay of Rs. 2800 per month and above, must be requisitioned to the NPSC for open examination. CTAN argued that the special recruitment drive is a violation of this rule, as well as Article 16 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality of opportunity in public employment.
CTAN has also pointed to a previous advertisement issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department on August 4, 2020, which clearly stated that all appointments would be on a temporary basis for 12 months or through direct recruitment via the NPSC, whichever is earlier. The advertisement further noted that appointees would have no right to claim regularization of their temporary service.
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CTAN called for a timely and wise decision from the concerned department for the welfare of aspirants in Nagaland, particularly the Medical Aspirants. CTAN further demanded the cancellation of the order and the requisitioning of the following posts to the NPSC/NSSB, as per the vacancies dated November 2, 2022: Medical Officers (96), Junior Specialists (41), Medical Officers, AYUSH (21), Junior Dental Surgeons (5), Research Scientists (6), Audiologist-cum-Speech Therapist (1), Staff Nurses (129), Laboratory Technicians (6), Audiology Technician (1), ECG Technicians (10), and OT Technicians (13).
In a separate but related issue, the Nursing Aspirants of Nagaland have expressed their deep dismay over the department’s notification dated August 21, 2024, which invited only 124 candidates for the regular posts of Staff Nurse. The aspirants argue that this move undermines the principles of meritocracy and fair competition, particularly affecting those who have been serving the community and the government, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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In a letter addressed to the Commissioner and Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, the Nursing Aspirants have demanded that all recruitment be conducted through the NPSC or CTSE, ensuring equal opportunity for all qualified nurses. They have also voiced their solidarity with the Nagaland Medical Students’ Association (NMSA), which has similarly called for a fair and transparent hiring process.
CTAN has warned that if the department does not cancel the special recruitment drive by August 26, 2024, they will pursue democratic actions to ensure the rights of Nagaland’s job seekers are protected.