Nagaland NET Qualified Forum opposes regularisation of Covid hires

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF) has expressed opposition to the state government’s move to regularise contractual appointments in the department of Health and Family Welfare.

In a statement issued on Friday, the forum pointed out that the department, through a notification dated August 18, 2025, had approved the regularisation of 98 medical officers, junior specialists, and other contractual staff recruited during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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The NNQF asserted that such a move “contradicts and violates the fundamental right to equal opportunity and meritocracy.”

It warned that allowing emergency contractual posts to be absorbed into regular service without open competition undermines fairness and transparency in public recruitment.

Extending support to the Nagaland Medical Students Association (NMSA), which had earlier opposed the notification, the forum called for its immediate revocation. “We stand for merit-based recognition, equitable opportunities, and a transparent healthcare system,” it stated.

The NNQF further appealed to civil society organisations, non-governmental bodies, and citizens to support the demand for justice.