Nagaland In-Service Doctors Association has however reiterated that it would go ahead with proposed mass casual leave from April 18
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Following the three days mass casual leave stir called by the Nagaland In-Service Doctors Association (NIDA) from April 18 to 20, the Nagaland government has directed that “no employee” would be granted casual leave during the period.
An office memorandum issued by Chief Secretary Nagaland J Alam, stated that principal director of Health & Family Welfare department would not approve casual leave of any officers during the said period, and if already granted, the approval would be recalled or revoked.
The Chief Secretary said extensive deliberations have been held by the Government with NIDA and other stakeholders and the matter is considered by the Government at the highest level. He however pointed out that due to the lack of consensus amongst NIDA and other stakeholders, further deliberations have
been directed to be held.
Drawing attention to the Nagaland Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1968, the Nagaland chief secretary said any resort to illegal means of agitation by the employee would be viewed seriously.
Besides, deduction of salary on the principle of “No work, no pay,” participants also would be liable to disciplinary action for grave violation of Conduct Rules.
Alam further directed all district Deputy Commissioners to ensure that the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), Medical Superintendents (MS) and their subordinate officers follow the directions issued by the state government and submit reports on any case of violation.
Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare department has also notified that no leave would be granted to any medical officers during the proposed mass casual leave called by the NIDA. The Nagaland In-Service Doctors Association (NIDA) has reiterated that it would go ahead with its proposed mass casual leave from April 18 if the state government fails to take a “favourable decision” on the issue of superannuation age for government doctors in the state.
Meanwhile, addressing media persons in Kohima on Thursday, NIDA president, Dr. E. Phyantsuthung, said that following the announcement of Prime Minister Modi, on raising the government medical doctors retirement age to 65 years due to acute shortage of doctors, the NIDA had submitted several memorandums
to the state government on the issue since 2016.
He informed that initially NIDA had demanded 62 years for administrative post (s) and 65 years for clinical post without any other criteria, however, after a series of consultative meetings, the association scaled down its demand to 62 years superannuation for all government doctors.
Dr Phyantsuthung added that despite regular reminders to the government and issue being taken up in the cabinet, no concrete decision has been taken so far despite the NIDA executive meeting Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, where the later had remarked that cabinet would take a decision after the sub-
committee submits its report.
On this, he said, the sub-committee held a meeting with all stakeholders which was “inconclusive” citing that the Nagaland government’s claimant that the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and other organizations are opposing the demand while also questioning the state government why the demand could not be made, when more than 25 states across the country have implemented the increased in superannuation age to different extend.
The NIDA president further said that by granting “their demand”, it would not have any constraints on the state exchequer or negative impact on the employment opportunities.
While stating that the demand was only for the medical doctors and not related to any other departments, NIDA president emphasized that 548 potential new posts would be available in the medical department with 17 doctors retiring in the next two years.
He later cautioned that if the state government fails to arrive to a decision, it would resort to total cease work, after the mass casual leave.
Dr. Phyantsuthung, however, informed the public that emergency services would be functional during the three days mass casual leave.e to acute shortage of doctors, the NIDA had submitted several memorandums to the state government on the issue since 2016.
He informed that initially NIDA had demanded 62 years for administrative post (s) and 65 years for clinical post without any other criteria, however, after a series of consultative meetings, the association scaled down its demand to 62 years superannuation for all government doctors.
Dr Phyantsuthung added that despite regular reminders to the government and issue being taken up in the cabinet, no concrete decision has been taken so far despite the NIDA executive meeting Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, where the latter had remarked that cabinet would take a decision after the sub-committee submits its report. On this, he said, the sub-committee held a meeting with all stakeholders which was “inconclusive” citing that the Nagaland government’s claimant that the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and other organizations are opposing the demand while also questioning the state government why the demand could not be made, when more than 25 states across the country have implemented the increased in superannuation age to different extend.
The NIDA president further said that by granting “their demand”, it would not have any constraints on the state exchequer or negative impact on the employment opportunities.
While stating that the demand was only for the medical doctors and not related to any other departments, NIDA president emphasized that 548 potential new posts would be available in the medical department with 17 doctors retiring in the next two years. He later cautioned that if the state government fails to arrive to a decision, it would resort to total cease work, after the mass casual leave.
Dr. Phyantsuthung, however, informed the public that emergency services would be functional during the three days mass casual leave.