Kohima, November 23 (MExN): Unpaid since September 2025, the National Health Mission Employee Association Nagaland (NEAN) has cautioned of a total cessation of work if the State Government does not release all pending remuneration by December 10.
The decision was taken during NEAN’s General Body Meeting on November 22 in Dimapur.
“The NHM employees shall not bear it anymore. For many years, the NHM employees have adjusted, compromised, and tolerated salary delays time and again, every single year,” it stated.
NEAN stressed that the employees have been loyally and sincerely attending to their duties, giving their best to the public and the department, regardless of the untold hardships they face daily.
NHM employees have endured salary delays for years, often accepting them as “normal.” However, the Association stressed that such delays should never be considered normal, noting that the employees provide essential services under difficult conditions and seek only timely payment for their work.
Highlighting the challenges faced by its members, NEAN maintained that while NHM employees have not received their monthly remuneration since September 2025, even the August salaries were released only recently after repeated appeals.
The Association described the hardships faced by staff across the State, districts, and blocks, including Programme Management and Service Delivery, as severe, noting the impact on their families. Employees struggle to support their families, pay rent and EMIs, manage basic needs, and sustain themselves, leading to significant financial and emotional stress.
NEAN also reminded the Government that “the NHM employees are the backbone of the Health Department; providing Health Services Delivery and Public Health Management.” Accordingly, the Association emphasised that henceforth, NHM staff will not tolerate any delays in monthly salaries.
To this end, the Association appealed to the Government and the Department to adopt a strategy of reserving salaries for at least two to three months in advance, as and when funds are received from the Government of India, to ensure the smooth functioning of offices.
“We sincerely hope that immediate steps be taken to resolve this matter so that services can continue without disruption,” stated a press release from NEAN President Dr Thungjamo Ngullie and General Secretary Kewetso Kenye.
