Kohima: The Nagaland Medical Students’ Association (NMSA) has suspended its agitation against the regularisation of 280 contractual health workers appointed during the COVID-19 pandemic, following an interim order from the Gauhati High Court’s Kohima Bench.
High Court Order
The High Court has stayed the Nagaland Cabinet’s August 6, 2024 decision and the subsequent Health Department notification of August 18, 2025, which sought to regularise the posts. It directed that no further steps be taken by the state government until further orders.
The posts under review include 98 MBBS medical officers/junior specialists, 21 AYUSH medical officers, three junior dental surgeons, and other categories, all appointed through a Departmental Screening Committee during the pandemic.
Students’ Protest
Earlier, medical students had staged demonstrations demanding that all government recruitment be merit-based and conducted through open competitive examinations, instead of regularising ad hoc appointees. The NMSA argued that bypassing merit would undermine equal opportunities for aspirants.
Association’s Stand
Announcing the suspension of the protest, NMSA said the decision was taken “in view of the matter being sub judice.” The association reiterated its faith in the judiciary, expressing hope for a fair verdict that safeguards meritocracy.
“We hold the judiciary in the highest regard and express faith that the court will deliver a fair and just verdict in the interest of all stakeholders,” NMSA said in a statement.
Government’s Position
The Nagaland government had defended its decision, stating that the move to regularise contractual health workers was in compliance with earlier court rulings.
Meanwhile, the Health Department has officially put the regularisation process on hold, pending further court directions.
