ITANAGAR, 16 Sep: The All Arunachal Pradesh Contractual Nursing Officer Association (AAPCNOA) on Wednesday appealed to the state government to consider the experience and length of service of contractual nursing officers while implementing the revised Recruitment Rules (RR), which provide for 100 per cent direct recruitment of Nursing Officers through the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC).
Addressing media persons at the Arunachal Press Club here on Wednesday, AAPCNOA president Rumik Agum said contractual nursing officers had been seeking a fair recruitment policy for several years, but their representations had remained unattended.
Agum said most contractual nursing officers had been serving under the National Health Mission (NHM) for the last nine to ten years with dedication, yet their long-pending demands had neither been endorsed nor acted upon by the government.
"For many years we have been knocking on every door, submitting representation after representation. Ironically, a just resolution remains a distant dream," Agum said.
The association said the revised Recruitment Rules, which provide for 100 percent direct recruitment of nursing officers through APPSC, has created uncertainty among existing contractual employees who were appointed under the earlier arrangement.
AAPCNOA clarified that it respects the APPSC recruitment process and does not oppose competitive examinations. However, it urged the government to give due weightage to the experience and length of service of contractual nursing officers who have already served under NHM for several years.
The association also highlighted the disparity in remuneration between regular and contractual nursing officers. According to AAPCNOA, regular nursing officers receive more than Rs. 90,000 per month, while contractual nursing officers receive only around Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000 for similar work.
Citing the principle of equal pay for equal work, the association sought better remuneration for contractual nursing officers and demanded a minimum monthly remuneration of Rs. 50,000.
AAPCNOA also appealed to the government to ensure regular annual recruitment of nursing officers, saying that a regular recruitment process would help address staffing requirements and provide greater certainty to those serving in the health sector.
The association further pointed to the rising cost of essential commodities, saying that the existing remuneration makes it difficult for contractual nursing officers to meet their household expenses.
Recalling the role played by nursing officers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Agum said contractual nursing officers had continued to provide frontline healthcare services and often worked extended hours in the larger interest of the people of the state.
The association said the services rendered by its members during the pandemic and over the years should be recognised by the government.
