Dimapur, March 14 (MExN): The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has appealed to the state government to intervene and facilitate an amicable resolution to the ongoing issue regarding the regularisation of healthcare workers hired during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister, the NMA said that the association has received an appeal from the Joint Action Committee Covid Era Appointed Healthcare Workers comprising of doctors, nurses, dentist and laboratory technician in various district hospitals, CHC and PHC across the State.
The memorandum signed by NMA President Vilanuo Angela Yhome and Vice President Malsawmthangi Leyri acknowledged the state government’s initial decision on December 16, 2025, to regularise the services of 97 Medical Officers engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic under the Health & Family Welfare Department. However, the regularisation order was kept on hold based on the objections raised by Naga Students Federation (NSF), which has demanded revocation of all notification, requisition of all 280 posts to Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) for recruitment through open advertisement and competitive examination. They have also suggested grace marks and one time age relaxation exclusively for Covid-19 appointees at the earliest.
The association stated that as per the February 3, 2026 meeting minutes the Cabinet has kept the orders of the regularisation on hold and constituted a High Power Committee (HPC) to hold discussions with the NSF. The NMA acknowledged the NSF’s stance, stating it is “in the interest of Naga youth and recruitment processes.” However, it also highlighted the unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic, which necessitated a Special Recruitment Drive to recognise the services of these frontline workers.
It also noted the observations of High Court and the Supreme Court, and the High Court direction to the State on the matter.
Deeply appreciating the services rendered by the frontline workers, the NMA urged the Chief Minister’s intervention to bring an amiable solution to the dispute and stated that “the concerned Department and the State Government are responsible for this present situation.” It further appealed to the HPC to provide a fair recommendation at the earliest.
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