TSG Bhasker demands for re-employment of Nursing Staffs who were recruited during COVID-19 pandemic

Port Blair, Dec 01: The ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman Mr. TSG Bhasker has written a letter to the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands on Friday requesting him to re-employ the Nursing Staffs who were recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the letter, Mr. Bhasker said that the Health Department had recruited on an Emergency Basis around 111 staffs in various posts such as Nursing Officer, ANM, Ward Attendants, Ayahs, Safai Karmacharis etc. to tide over the crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic. From May, 2020 till December, 2020 they have been employed by the NHRM and after March, 2021 till date they have been employed by the DHS on contract basis. During this period many of them have crossed the age limit for applying for the regular posts which were advertised by the Department.
He added that these staffs had risked their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic and had to live separately from their families and serve the Islanders who were very badly affected by the pandemic.
“They were given a consolidated pay of Rs. 16,000 for Nursing Officer, Rs. 13,000 for ANM and Rs. 12000 for Ayahs, Safai Karmacharis and Ward Attendants. Many of them have families to support and despite of all the constraints they have worked in various Islands like Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Teressa, Hutbay etc. where the living conditions are not very conducive”, stated Mr. Bhasker.
He further mentioned that the contract of these staffs was extended from time to time but after September, 2023 their extension was stopped. However they have been working in the Department without pay considering the hardships which will be faced by the patients due to the lack of staffs.
He brought the attention of Lt. Governor towards the posts lying vacant in the ANIIMS and requested him to recommend the posting of these staffs in ANIIMS so that their families can survive.
Mr. Bhasker also notified the clear cut guidelines of Central Government in which it gave direction to all the Health Departments of States & UT’s to consider favourably the candidates who have worked during the COVID-19 pandemic and to also give them preference in regular appointments with additional marks for the period of their service.
Hence, he requested the Lt. Governor to consider the re-employment of the staffs who have worked during the COVID-19 pandemic even if it is on contract basis, so that they can support their families.