All Nagaland ANM warns of agitation amidst non-payment of salary

DIMAPUR — The All Nagaland ANM (auxiliary nurse and midwife) under CSS (centrally-sponsored scheme) has expressed serious concern over the non-payment of salaries for up to three months and cautioned the Health and Family Welfare department that it would resort to democratic agitation if the pending salaries are not released.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the association stated that its members (regular ANMs) working in the districts of Mokokchung, Kohima, Phek, Longleng, Tuensang, Tseminyu, Wokha, and Mon have not received their salaries since September, 2023, while those posted in Kiphire and Zunheboto districts have not received their pay for the month of November.

Expressing dismay over the indifferent attitude of the Health department, it said a representation highlighting the disparity in the release of salaries had been submitted to the authorities last month, dated 24.11.23 but no response so far.

“This kind of treatment is discouraging and greatly affects our livelihood,” it said, pointing out that salaries have been released till November in some districts, while others are yet to receive even for the month of September.

“There ought to be equal treatment for all the members with regard to the payment of salaries, and as such we appeal to the department to release our pending salaries at the earliest,” it added.

The association underscored the adverse effects of this non-payment on the livelihoods of its members, particularly those stationed in remote areas.

Maintaining that the irregularity in the disbursement of salary is also hindering the members’ ability to carry out their duties effectively, the association urged the department to release the pending salaries, failing which it threatened to initiate democratic agitation till the dues are paid.

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