The Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) has stepped into the ongoing controversy surrounding the regularization of COVID-era Medical Officers (MOs), urging the state government to revoke its decision to place the appointments on “hold” and to uphold its earlier one-time special dispensation granted in recognition of the extraordinary circumstances during the pandemic.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the Association said that while it remains committed to the principles of meritocracy, accountability and transparency in governance, the humanitarian sacrifices made by doctors and frontline workers during the COVID-19 crisis must be acknowledged in both policy and public discourse.
The intervention by Ex-PAN comes at a time when the issue continues to trigger debate across the state, with some organizations opposing the regularization process on grounds related to recruitment norms and fairness, while others have defended the government’s decision citing the unprecedented challenges faced during the pandemic.
According to Ex-PAN, the COVID-19 outbreak had placed immense pressure on Nagaland’s already strained healthcare infrastructure, prompting the government to adopt exigency measures to address shortages in manpower.
The Association stated that trained doctors and healthcare workers responded to the government’s call during a period marked by fear, uncertainty and high health risks, stepping forward to serve despite potential dangers to themselves and their families.
The Association recalled that the government’s earlier decision to grant a one-time special dispensation for regularization was intended as recognition of those sacrifices. It also referred to legal challenges that had followed the decision, noting that both the High Court and the Supreme Court of India had upheld the government’s move.
Expressing concern over the present situation, Ex-PAN said it was “most unfortunate” that the appointments had been placed on hold despite the judicial backing, reportedly due to opposition from certain sections. While acknowledging that the concerns raised by opposing groups reflect broader public sentiment and debates over recruitment processes, the Association maintained that the unique circumstances of the pandemic warranted extraordinary policy responses.
Calling for a balanced and humane approach, Ex-PAN appealed to organizations and individuals opposing the regularization to consider the sacrifices made by the doctors during one of the most difficult periods in recent history. The Association emphasized that many healthcare workers had placed themselves on the frontlines at a time when much of society was under lockdown and uncertainty prevailed.
At the same time, the Association appealed directly to the state government, the concerned Minister, and the Cabinet led by the Chief Minister to stand resolute in their earlier decision and revoke the hold order at the earliest. It further suggested that the government explore mechanisms to accommodate other healthcare and frontline workers who had served during the pandemic in various capacities.
Reiterating its broader stance on governance, Ex-PAN said that supporting the regularization in this instance did not undermine its commitment to merit-based recruitment, transparency and accountability, but rather reflected the exceptional humanitarian considerations that arose during the global health emergency.
The statement was issued by Ex-PAN President Joshua Sümi and General Secretary Tarie Zeliang.