Kohima: Medical students in Nagaland on Saturday staged a strong protest in Kohima against the state government’s decision to regularise 280 contractual health workers without holding competitive examinations.
The demonstration, spearheaded by the Nagaland Medical Students’ Association (NMSA), took place outside the Department of Health and Family Welfare office.
The agitators condemned the August 18 government notification that paved the way for regularising COVID-era appointees—including medical officers, dentists, Ayush practitioners, and nurses—through a departmental screening process instead of the constitutionally mandated recruitment system.
According to the NMSA, this move undermines merit-based selection and violates both the Nagaland Health Service Rules of 2006 and constitutional provisions under Articles 14 and 16, which guarantee equality before law and equal opportunity in public employment.
The rules clearly stipulate that Class-I gazetted officer posts should be filled exclusively through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC).
“This decision sets a dangerous precedent and completely ignores the recruitment norms in place,” said NMSA president Pito S Rochill, calling the move “illegal and arbitrary.”
The association has demanded an immediate rollback of the August 18 notification and urged the government to ensure that all future appointments in the health sector are carried out via open competitive examinations through NPSC.
“We are not opposed to those who served during the pandemic,” clarified NMSA general secretary Bonoto P Zimo.
“But regularisation must happen through fair and transparent procedures.”
When asked about reports of a related court case, NMSA leaders explained that an earlier plea was dismissed without directions, meaning there was no judicial approval for the government’s move.
They indicated that the association is preparing to appeal and will explore legal options if required.
Meanwhile, sources revealed that the regularisation process, including medical fitness tests and interviews, began on August 27.
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The students alleged that the interview dates were never made public and accused the department of conducting the process in secrecy.
Expressing disappointment over the lack of transparency, the NMSA urged civil society groups, NGOs, student bodies, and the public to support their cause.
“If this decision goes unchecked, it will destroy meritocracy and institutional integrity,” Rochill warned.
The protest saw students holding placards and chanting slogans demanding justice and fair opportunity for all aspirants.
The NMSA vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations and hinted at intensifying their agitation through legal means if the government does not reverse its decision.
