Never too late to do the right thing, says Nursing aspirant
Morung Express News
Tuensang | August 31
Nursing aspirants in Nagaland, alongside various student and professional associations, are raising alarms over the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare's (DoHFW) proposed Special Recruitment Drive (SRD) for 280 posts, calling it a violation of constitutional rights
The State government has deferred the SRD by two weeks, but thus has done little to assuage aspirants and associations.
The DoHFW had issued a notification on August 20, 2024, approving a SRD for the recruitment of 280 health workers, which included staff nurses.
The drive, intended as a one-time special dispensation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, proposed relaxing age limits and providing additional weightage for work experience, educational qualifications, and COVID-related duties.
However, it has sparked significant opposition from the Nagaland Medical Students’ Association (NMSA), Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN), Nursing aspirants in Nagaland, Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), and the Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF), among others.
Grievances of Nursing Aspirants
Nursing aspirants have expressed discontent, with some describing the SRD as a betrayal of their efforts and aspirations.
A nursing aspirant from Nagaland, who wished to remain anonymous, voiced concerns over the lack of job opportunities in the state despite the establishment of numerous nursing institutions.
"Why set up nursing institutions in Nagaland when there are no job opportunities in the government sector? We are trained here to serve our people, but the system is forcing us to look elsewhere for employment," the aspirant said.
The individual lamented the absence of public service examinations for nurses, citing it as a significant factor contributing to high unemployment rates among trained nurses in Nagaland.
Another aggrieved nurse expressed a strong resolve to fight for a just recruitment system, stating, “It's time to open our eyes and do what is right. It's never too late to do the right thing; we can't change the past, but the future is in our hands. We, the nursing aspirants, will fight till the very end. We demand a transparent staff recruitment system.”
Allegations of unfair treatment
Meawhile, NLSF, in a letter dated August 27, strongly opposed the SRD, citing it as a breach of Articles 14 and 16 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and equal employment opportunities.
The Federation argued that bypassing the competitive examination process through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) not only undermines transparency but also deprives eligible candidates of fair chances.
"We urge the government to cancel the proposed recruitment drive and ensure the posts are filled through an open and competitive examination by the NPSC," stated T Tohuka Achumi, President of NLSF. The Federation emphasized that appointments based on temporary measures should not become a norm, warning that such practices would only deepen existing anomalies and erode trust in public institutions.
The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) echoed similar concerns, urging the DoHFW to revoke its notification for the SRD and requisition 329 posts to the NPSC or the Nagaland State Selection Board (NSSB) for a fair recruitment process.
AKM highlighted the need for adherence to established norms, advocating that positions should be filled through the Combined Technical Services Examination (CTSE) to uphold fairness and meritocracy.
"Our appeal is for the government to follow the rule of law and provide a level playing field for all qualified aspirants," stated AKM President Lanutoshi Aier.
The AKM, along with the NMSA, has vowed to continue its protest until the SRD is canceled and due processes are restored.
Government's Response
In response to the mounting pressure, the government has deferred the SRD by two weeks, a move that has done little to assuage the concerns of the aspirants and associations.
The Deputy Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Noune Ü Kire, stated in an official communication that the deferment was to allow for further discussions on the matter.
.jpg)
