Shillong: NEIGRIHMS faces a standoff over nursing officer recruitment. The Governing Council meets October 27 to break the deadlock. Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda will chair the session. Local pressure groups continue to push for an 80:20 female-to-male hiring ratio, age relaxations, and reserved job slots.
Director Nalin Mehta rejects the gender-based hiring demand. He notes that the institute follows Central government rules, unlike institutions that do not fall under this mandate. "No Central government institution can have reservation based on sex, and we are a Central government institute," Mehta said. He also disputed claims that a Manipur-based institution utilizes an 80:20 split.
Mehta defended the current examination process. An external agency handles the tests to maintain standards. Hosting tests in Shillong is not feasible. Over 12,000 candidates applied for the last round, requiring computer-based centers across several states. Rules for store officers and accounts personnel must follow these same federal guidelines.
The institute remains a critical hub for regional healthcare. Patient numbers continue to rise. People now travel from across the Northeast, Bangladesh, and Myanmar for treatment. Mehta praised the staff for managing this heavy load despite ongoing personnel shortages. He expects the Council to provide a final word on the pending recruitment agenda.
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