The NHM UP breached a high court order, revealing a significant lapse in adherence to judicial authority, and alarmingly, the office of the chief minister quietly supported these actions, raising serious questions about the accountability and transparency of governance within the state.
This situation not only undermines the rule of law but also erodes public trust in leadership, which is essential for the effective functioning of a democratic society.
Moreover, such a disregard for legal directives could set a dangerous precedent, allowing similar breaches to occur in the future without consequence, ultimately affecting the welfare of the citizens who depend on the integrity of public services.
Grievance Against Arbitrary Closure of NHM Recruitment Drive in Uttar Pradesh
Grievance Registration Number: PMOPG/E/2025/0008838
Date of Submission: January 20, 2025
Complainant: Yogi M. P. Singh
Concerned Authority: Prime Minister’s Office
Officer Handling the Case: Shri Arvind Mohan, Joint Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh
Introduction
A significant development has occurred about the recruitment process under the National Health Mission (NHM), Uttar Pradesh, which aims to enhance healthcare services across the state.
Recently, a grievance has been filed to challenge the legality and fairness of a recent notification issued by the Mission Director regarding recruitment protocols.
The complainant, Shri Yogi M. P. Singh, has raised serious concerns that highlight potential discrepancies within the process.
He is particularly worried about the violation of a High Court order that mandated certain procedures to be followed in recruitment.
Furthermore, he questions the arbitrary closure of the recruitment drive, which may unjustly prevent qualified candidates from securing positions within this crucial initiative, thereby undermining the mission’s goals and potentially affecting the overall healthcare delivery system in the region.
Background of the Recruitment Drive
The NHM, Uttar Pradesh, initiated a massive recruitment drive through advertisement no. 642/SPMU/NHM/2022-23/6200 dated November 26, 2022, aimed at filling over 17,000 contractual positions that are critical to enhancing healthcare services across the state.
This extensive campaign included roles such as ANM, Pharmacist-Allopathic, Lab Technician, and Staff Nurse, all of which play a vital part in delivering quality medical care to the community.
Candidates from diverse backgrounds eagerly participated in this recruitment process, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare sector.
Following a rigorous selection procedure, the results were declared on October 27, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve health outcomes for the citizens of Uttar Pradesh.
However, on January 17, 2025, a notification (Ref. No. 642/SPMU/NHM/HR/Appt./2024-25/6871) was issued stating that the recruitment drive stands closed and no further list of shortlisted candidates will be released.
Legal Context and High Court Order
The complainant mentions a judgment from the Hon’ble High Court of Judicature at Allahabad. This is in WRIT – A No. 14572 of 2024 (Neutral Citation No. – 2024:AHC:167107).
The court took into consideration the matters presented before it and directed the NHM authorities to decide the representation submitted by the petitioners dated September 3, 2024, within two months, emphasising the urgency and importance of resolving these issues promptly to ensure that the rights of the petitioners are safeguarded and that their grievances are addressed in a timely manner, in alignment with the principles of justice and administrative efficiency that the High Court stands for.
Such directives underscore the responsibility of the NHM authorities to uphold fair practices and transparency in their procedures, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the legal and healthcare systems.
The directive was clear. However, the Mission Director did not act on the representation given on October 28, 2024. This failure allegedly committed breach of the court’s order.
Key Allegations Made by the Complainant
- Violation of Judicial Order:
The Mission Director issued the closure notification without addressing the representations mandated by the High Court. - Arbitrary Decision-Making:
The decision to abolish appointments from the waiting list is arbitrary. It contradicts established practices. Both state and central governments have followed these practices. - Exceeding Jurisdiction:
The Mission Director allegedly acted beyond her legal authority, undermining the powers of the Government of Uttar Pradesh. - Promotion of Corruption:
The complainant asserts that the arbitrary closure of the recruitment process is a sign of deeper issues. It reflects corruption and lawlessness. - Demand for Vigilance Inquiry:
A call made for a thorough investigation. A vigilance team is to examine the recruitment process. They will also look into the actions of the Mission Director.
Current Status of the Grievance
As of January 20, 2025, the grievance marked as “Under Process” is being closely monitored by the relevant authorities.
Shri Arvind Mohan, Joint Secretary of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, is diligently handling the matter, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken for a prompt resolution.
His commitment to addressing the concerns raised in the grievance reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the grievance redressal system and to enhance the overall experience of citizens interacting with government services.
The timely processing of such issues is crucial, as it significantly impacts the affected citizens who rely on these services for their day-to-day needs, and there is hope that under Shri Mohan’s supervision, the grievance will be resolved expediently and satisfactorily.
Conclusion and Call to Action
This grievance highlights a critical issue in public administration—ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to judicial orders, which are fundamental principles for fostering trust between the government and the citizens it serves.
The complainant has urged the Government of Uttar Pradesh to take immediate and effective measures to address these concerns, as the lack of clarity and efficiency in public assistance programs not only affects individuals and families relying on these supports but also undermines the overall integrity of public service.
By implementing robust monitoring systems and establishing clear communication channels, the government can better serve its constituents, ensuring they receive the benefits they are entitled to without unnecessary delays or complications.
- Cancel the arbitrary notification issued by the Mission Director.
- Initiate a vigilance inquiry into the recruitment process.
- Reinstate the rule of law and uphold democratic values in governance.
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