Nagaland dentists claim gross discrepancies under fast track recruitment

Dimapur, Oct. 27 (EMN): The Indian Dental Association Nagaland State Branch has expressed resentment at the process carried out by the state’s Health and Family Welfare department for the selection of five junior dental surgeons.  

The association submitted a representation to the principal director for Health and Family Welfare stating: “In view of Covid-19 pandemic outbreak, the department of Health and Family welfare instead of conducting written examination, decided to adopt a fast track recruitment policy. Certain terms and conditions were also set and notified by the department for the recruitment under fast track recruitment policy.”

It pointed out that as per the department’s advertisement issued on July 16, it was ‘clearly mentioned’ that points will be awarded for possession of higher qualification (PG diploma-3 points, PG degree -6 points, PG doctoral degree -10 points) and two points per year for work experience.

‘It is however seen that there are gross discrepancies in the distribution of marks. Applicants with higher qualification were not awarded points for possession of higher qualification. There were also discrepancies in marks distribution for candidate with work experience. Some applicants with work experience who had furnished documents of their work experience were not awarded due points. 

‘Also, there is error in the merit list regarding percentage of shortlisted candidates. The manner in which the department of Health and Family Welfare is conducting the recruitment without even following the terms and conditions laid down by the department itself is utterly arbitrary and unreasonable,’ it stated.

Further, the association stated that out of the five posts of junior dental surgeon, two were lying vacant subsequent to the creation of director dental and superannuation of another employee.

‘The association is discontented that recruitment for these two posts also falls under the fast track recruitment policy when the department could have send it for NPSC requisition as the posts were lying vacant long before the Covid-19 outbreak. IDANSB reiterate its stand in regard to the demand for requisition of five posts of junior dental surgeon to NPSC for recruitment,’ it stated.

In order to ‘re-establish trust and ensure that there is no nefarious intention in the recruitment process’, the association has demanded that the department issues a new list of shortlisted candidates after thorough scrutiny following all the terms and conditions; immediately send five  posts of junior dental surgeon for NPSC requisition, so that the commission can initiate recruitment process as per the laid down rules and regulations which will provide fair and equal opportunity to all aspiring candidates.