Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, SEP 16:
The All Arunachal Pradesh Contractual Nursing Officers Association (AAPCNOA) has demanded modification of the new Recruitment Rules (RR) 2024, seeking a 70:30 recruitment formula, with 70 percent reserved for the direct absorption of contractual Nursing Officers and 30 percent for fresh candidates through competitive recruitment.
Addressing media persons at the Arunachal Press Club here on Wednesday, AAPCNOA president Rumik Agum appealed to the state government to intervene in the matter and reconsider the provisions of the Recruitment Rules introduced in 2024.
Claiming that the new RR 2024 has put 636 contractual Nursing Officers serving across the state under the National Health Mission (NHM) at a disadvantage, she said the earlier system provided for seniority-based absorption into regular government service. Several serving Nursing Officers, she added, have completed around eight to nine years of service under the existing arrangement.
However, the new Recruitment Rules notified on March 6, 2024, provide for 100 percent direct recruitment through the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC).
Agum said the provision was unfair to serving contractual nurses, as after years of service it would be difficult for them to compete with fresh candidates in written examinations. She added that due to their demanding duties, contractual nurses also find it difficult to get adequate time to prepare for competitive examinations.
She clarified that the association does not oppose APPSC recruitment or competitive examinations, but said existing contractual employees should not be disadvantaged during the transition.
The association proposed a 70:30 recruitment formula, with 70 percent posts filled through seniority-based absorption in a phased manner and 30 percent through direct recruitment by the APPSC, until all eligible contractual Nursing Officers are absorbed. It said the arrangement would also ensure opportunities for fresh candidates.
Agum further claimed that many of the 636 contractual nurses have crossed the official age limit for government recruitment and are also managing family responsibilities, placing them at a disadvantage compared to fresh graduates.
She also questioned how patient wards in district hospitals across the state would be managed if serving nurses were required to leave their duties to appear for examinations.
Recalling their service during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said many contractual nurses worked continuously for long hours, sometimes for nearly 30 hours without food, and highlighted the health challenges faced by them due to prolonged and demanding duties.
The association also sought a minimum monthly salary of Rs 50,000, citing inflation and the workload shouldered by contractual staff.
It urged the government to withhold the APPSC examination for Nursing Officers until the recruitment rules are amended and clarity is provided on the future of serving contractual employees.
The association appealed to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Health Minister Biyuram Wahge and the Health Department to address their concerns and provide a concrete solution.
