Nagaland ANM/FHWs threaten action over salary delay

DIMAPUR — Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and Female Health Workers (FHW) working under the Centrally-Sponsored Scheme (CSS) in Nagaland have cautioned the state government of further action if their long-standing grievances regarding irregular salary payments are not addressed.

In a letter addressed to the Principal Director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the All Nagaland ANM/FHW (CSS) alleged discriminatory treatment compared to their non-plan counterparts who receive their salaries regularly.

The association contended that the health workers have been raising concerns about inconsistent salary disbursement for over a year, as they experience significant delays compared to non-plan ANMs who are paid from the same state treasury.

Despite repeated communication with the department and the government, they said their grievances have been met with inaction and a lack of commitment to resolve the issue.

To gain clarity on the situation, the association said it filed an RTI request with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and in November 2023, the Ministry replied that CSS funds are released to states on a reimbursement basis only after the state submits provisional Utilisation Certificates (UC) and annual expenditure reports.

This revelation, it said, directly contradicts the state’s previous explanation for the delays, which attributed the issue to a lack of funds received from the central government, it said.

“Therefore, under such circumstances there can be no dispute that the delay in paying our salaries is due to the failure of the state machineries and not delayed payment or non-release of funds by the Government of India,” it asserted.

The association demanded an official statement from the department explaining the disparity in salary disbursement between CSS and non-plan ANMs, particularly since both groups are paid from the state treasury. It also highlighted that their June and July 2024 salaries are still pending, and urged for immediate release.

Further, it cautioned that failure to address their demand for regular salary payments, comparable to their non-plan counterparts, would result in further action, and the authorities would be held responsible for any consequences.