Mizoram Health Workers Demand Job Security Amid New Recruitment Drive

In a bold demonstration, contractual health workers in Mizoram voiced their demand for the state government to regularise their employment status. The protest, orchestrated by the Mizoram Contract Health Workers Association, comes in the wake of the state's recent move to recruit 100 new health workers through direct means.

Protesters expressed their discontent over the government's decision, which they said contradicted repeated assurances given by officials, including ministers, regarding regularising existing workers based on seniority and length of service. Many health workers have been serving under the National Health Mission (NHM) on a contractual basis for several years.

The workers called for at least 50 out of the new 100 posts to be set aside for current NHM contractual workers. Furthermore, they urged the government to amend recruitment criteria so workers who have served in remote regions, lack computer proficiency, or surpass age limits could also apply for the new roles.

(With inputs from agencies.)