Nagaland government clarifies on doctors’ superannuation age issue, asks to withdraw protest

Dimapur, March 31 (EMN): The government of Nagaland on Wednesday said that it has taken note of the warning issued by the Nagaland In-Service Doctors’ Association (Nida) to intensify its symbolic protest in connection with the superannuation age issue and urged them to withdraw it as the matter is under active consideration at the Cabinet level.

In a clarification issued by the DIPR on Wednesday, a day after Nida threatened to intensify agitation if its demand of increasing the retirement age is not met, the stated that the Cabinet took up the matter at its meeting held on January 14 this year, after which the Cabinet Sub-Committee has had discussions with the NSF and other stakeholders.

While highlighting the government’s measures to check its expenditure, including halting of fresh appointments in 2020-21 financial year on account of the prevailing Covid pandemic, it said the details as well as “the need to allow the consultative process to be completed for a robust decision” were communicated to Nida executives at meetings with the chief minister, Health minister and other state officials. 

“However, it is noted with regret that Nida has not taken cognizance of the counsel given and the genuine appeal to withdraw the symbolic protest,” the press release read.

It stated that ‘the government has to examine the matter from all dimensions through the consultative process, keeping in view the legal and administrative complexities on account of the specific conditions of the state’. It added that since the matter is “under active consideration and to be taken up by the Cabinet”, Nida should withdraw their protest, which won’t help in resolving the issue.

The update also highlighted that Nagaland government had taken up several steps towards improving the service conditions of doctors including creation of 134 posts last year, restructuring eligibility criteria for promotion, approving setting up of two medical colleges and upgrading health infrastructure.

It went on to state that the government is committed to improving the health infrastructure and enhance service conditions for government medical professionals with an aim to boost public health delivery.