DIMAPUR — The Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court has issued notices to the Nagaland government and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare after 46 medical officers serving under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) and the National Health Mission (NHM) in the state filed a writ petition seeking regularisation of their services and pay parity with their counterparts appointed on a regular basis during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The petitioners, all contractual medical officers, stated that they had performed duties during the Covid-19 pandemic from its first wave and had submitted a representation—acknowledged on September 25, 2024—requesting the government to regularise their services.

They also sought payment equivalent to that of AYUSH doctors appointed on a regular basis during the pandemic, who received salaries at Level-13 of the pay matrix (ranging from INR 56,000 to INR 1,77,500).

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The petitioners in NAM are receiving fixed pay of INR 22,000 with 5% yearly increment and while those serving in NHM are receiving a fixed pay of INR 35,000 with 5% yearly increment, according to the court order.

The respondents in the case include the state of Nagaland represented by the chief secretary, the commissioner secretary of Health and Family Welfare, the commissioner secretary of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, the principal director of Health and Family Welfare, and the Union of India represented by the secretary of Health and Family Welfare.

Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer, hearing the matter on Thursday, directed the issuance of notices returnable within four weeks. The case has been listed for further hearing after said period.

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