The Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) has voiced strong opposition to the recent notification issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, dated August 20, 2024. The notification invites 98 doctors for a ‘Special Recruitment Drive’ to fill the posts of Class 1 Gazetted Medical Officers, with a departmental examination scheduled for August 26 and a viva voce on August 27 and 28.
In a statement, NVCO expressed support for the Nagaland Medical Students Association (NMSA), which has also criticized the recruitment drive. According to NVCO, the Department’s decision to conduct its own examination for such posts is beyond its legal authority and is a clear violation of established procedures. The organization argued that this move opens the door to favoritism, nepotism, and corruption, and questioned why the department is repeating past mistakes.
NVCO President Kezhokhoto Savi emphasized that Article 16 of the Constitution of India guarantees equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters of public employment. He stressed that every department under the Government of Nagaland is required to refer vacant posts, including those of Medical Officers, to the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) for a transparent recruitment process.
“The Supreme Court of India has consistently condemned backdoor appointments, stating that they are not only illegal but also undermine the principles of fairness and equality enshrined in the Constitution,” said Savi. He added that regularizing appointments made through non-transparent means violates the rights of meritorious candidates and disrupts the integrity of public administration.
NVCO further highlighted that several High Courts, including the Madras High Court, have ordered state governments to halt the practice of regularizing backdoor appointments, which they argued disproportionately affects rural and semi-urban citizens aspiring for public employment.
The NVCO called on the Department of Health & Family Welfare to revoke the current recruitment process and instead ensure that all eligible candidates are given an equal opportunity through the NPSC examination, which adheres to constitutional mandates. The organization warned that proceeding with the departmental examination would amount to a backdoor appointment and could face legal challenges.
As the debate intensifies, the NVCO’s stance underscores the ongoing fight against non-transparent recruitment practices in Nagaland, with the organization urging all government departments to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions to safeguard public trust.
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