| Staff REPORTER |
ITANAGAR, Sep 16: The All Arunachal Pradesh Contractual Nursing Officers’ Association (AAPCNOA) has sought modification of the 2024 recruitment rules for nursing officers, proposing a 70:30 recruitment formula to provide opportunities for serving contractual nurses as well as fresh candidates.
Addressing reporters here on Wednesday, AAPCNOA president Rumik Agum said the existing recruitment rules were placing 636 contractual nursing officers serving across the State under the National Health Mission (NHM) at a disadvantage.
Agum said the earlier system provided for seniority-based absorption of eligible contractual nurses into regular government service. However, the recruitment rules notified on March 6, 2024, provide for 100 per cent direct recruitment through the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), she said.
“The earlier system provided for seniority-based absorption into regular government service. But the new recruitment rules notified on March 6, 2024, provide for 100 per cent direct recruitment through APPSC. This is not fair for serving nurses,” Agum said.
She said contractual nurses who have been serving for several years face difficulties in competing with fresh candidates in competitive examinations, particularly due to their demanding duty schedules, which leave limited time for examination preparation.
Agum clarified that the association was not opposed to recruitment through APPSC or competitive examinations, but said the recruitment framework should also take into account the experience and service of existing contractual employees.
The association proposed that 70 per cent of nursing officer posts be filled on a phased, seniority-based basis from among eligible contractual nurses, while the remaining 30 per cent be filled through direct recruitment conducted by APPSC.
“Until all eligible contractual nursing officers are absorbed, this system will ensure that contractual nurses are not deprived and freshers are also recruited,” she said.
Agum further claimed that many of the 636 contractual nurses had crossed the prescribed age limit for recruitment examinations after several years of service and were also managing family and maternal responsibilities, placing them at a disadvantage compared to fresh graduates.
The association also demanded a minimum monthly salary of Rs 50,000 for contractual nursing officers, citing inflation and the workload involved in their duties.
The AAPCNOA urged the government to withhold the proposed APPSC examination for nursing officers until the recruitment rules are amended and clarity is provided regarding the future of serving contractual employees.
The association appealed to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Health Minister Biyuram Wahge and the Health Department to consider its demands and provide a concrete solution to the issue.