The NHM director did not obey the court order, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the legal process. Instead of complying with the request for information from the seeker, who was merely seeking transparency and accountability, the director chose to evade responsibility by running away and avoiding any form of communication.
This behavior not only undermines the trust in the institution but also raises concerns about the director’s intentions and the information potentially being withheld. The refusal to provide information casts a shadow of suspicion over the actions and decisions made within the NHM, leaving the public in the dark and questioning the integrity of the leadership.
That action—ignoring a High Court’s directive and closing the vacancy—is a serious legal issue. This is a potential case of Contempt of Court.
When an official willfully disobeys a direct order from a court, that official faces accountability for their defiance. The court commands the official to “consider a representation,” which is not a suggestion; it is a binding legal command.
National Health Mission Uttar Pradesh Neutral Citation No. 2024: AHC:167107 Court No.-7 Case: WRITA No.14572 of 2024 5. This Court clarifies that it has not adjudicated the case on merits. Respondent No. 2 must pass an order after considering the relevant Rules and the facts of the case. Order Date :- 21.10.2024 Sartaj PIO, NHM Uttar Pradesh will provide the following information to the information seeker.
1- Number of vacancies filled against the recruitment of 17,000 plus posts of different categories.
2- Number of vacancies filled from waiting list.
3- Please provide the action taken on the aforementioned order dated 21 October 2024 of high court of judicature by the NHM.
4- Please provide the action taken by the NHM on the representation of the aggrieved aspirants belonging to the waiting list Attached as the 4th page of the pdf document.
5- Please provide the name and designation of the public staff engaged in the compliance of the order of the high court of judicature as aforementioned.
A Fight for Transparency: Tracking an RTI on NHM UP’s 17,000+ Vacancies and non compliance of court order
This post details the journey of a Right to Information (RTI) application and a related public grievance filed by Yogi M. P. Singh concerning the recruitment process for over 17,000
contractual vacancies by the National Health Mission (NHM), Uttar Pradesh. The case highlights a citizen’s quest for accountability regarding the issuance of a waiting list and alleged irregularities in the hiring process.
In his pursuit, Singh meticulously documented the discrepancies he encountered, showcasing not only the bureaucratic hurdles but also illustrating the broader implications of such recruitment practices on the employment landscape in the state.
Through this narrative, readers are invited to understand the critical need for transparency in government hiring processes and the vital role of RTI as a tool for citizens in holding authorities accountable.
Singh’s efforts exemplify a grassroots movement for change, sparking discussions about ethics and fairness in public sector appointments that resonate beyond the immediate context of Uttar Pradesh.
The Initial RTI Request
The organization filed an RTI to seek specific details about the delay and the process for releasing the waiting list for a major recruitment drive advertised on November 26, 2022.
Application at a Glance
- Applicant Name: Yogi M. P. Singh
- RTI Registration Number:
DIRMH/R/2024/62186 - Date of Filing: 10/11/2024
- Original Public Authority: Medical and Health Directorate
Information Sought
The applicant, citing a previous communication (Letter No.: 151/SPMU/HR/Jansunwai/2024-25/267), requested the following five points of information:
- Define “Competent Level”: Clarification on which authority constitutes the “competent level” required to approve the waiting list.
- Approval Mechanism: Details on the specific procedure for getting the waiting list approved by this competent level.
- Personnel Details: The names and designations of the public staff who are part of the competent level.
- Reason for Delay: An explanation for the delay in approving recruitment from the waiting list, in reference to Public Grievance No.
DHLTH/E/2024/0003293. - Head of Authority: The name, designation, and posting details of the chairman or head of the competent level authority.
RTI Status and Transfer
The original authority did not handle the request in a timely manner or with the necessary urgency. Instead, they transferred it for a response to another department, leaving the matter unresolved and creating a significant delay in the process. This transfer, while perhaps intended to redirect the issue to someone more capable, resulted in confusion and further complications, as the relevant information was not adequately communicated between the parties involved.
- Current Status: REQUEST TRANSFERRED TO OTHER PUBLIC AUTHORITY (as of 01/09/2025)
- New Public Authority: National Health Mission (NHM)
- New Registration Number:
NHMIS/R/2025/80080
Contact Details of Officials
Medical and Health Directorate (Original Authority)
- Nodal Officer: Director Health
- Mobile: 945167XXXX
- Email: dgmhsrti[at]gmail[dot]com
National Health Mission (New Authority)
- PIO NAME: S V P PANKAJ
- Designation: DY. General Manager
- Mobile: 7985514847
- Email: jansuchnaadhikariupnhm[at]gmail[dot]com
- Nodal Officer: MRS PINKY JOWEL
- Mobile: 8005192544
- Email: mdupnrhm[at]gmail[dot]com
The Parallel Public Grievance
The authorities filed a public grievance alongside the RTI to address broader concerns of corruption and irregularities in the recruitment process, highlighting the need for increased transparency and accountability within the system. This initiative aims not only to rectify the existing discrepancies but also to establish a framework that prevents future misconduct. By involving the public, the authorities seek to foster trust and engagement, empowering citizens to participate actively in governance. Additionally, there is a growing consensus that rigorous oversight mechanisms are essential to ensure that recruitment practices adhere to ethical standards, thereby reinforcing the integrity of public service functions across various sectors.
Grievance Details
- Complainant: Mahesh Pratap Singh alias Yogi M. P. Singh
- Registration Number:
DHLTH/E/2024/0003293 - Date of Receipt: 28/02/2024
The grievance argues that the recruitment criteria deliberately exclude COVID warriors. It also emphasizes that since many candidates have secured multiple positions, the hiring committee needs to fill the resulting vacancies from a waiting list to prevent backdoor appointments. The complainant questions the transparency and fairness of the process, especially regarding the requirement for Lab Technicians to register with the UP STATE MEDICAL FACULTY LUCKNOW.
Outcome and Dissatisfaction court order neglected and NHM director dropped selection process arbitrarily
- Current Status: Case closed (as of 18/03/2024)
- Complainant Rating: 1 (Poor)
- Rating Remarks: The complainant noted a disconnect between the government’s claims of good governance and the lack of transparency and accountability experienced. The response was seen as a sign of “rule of anarchy.”
The Subsequent Appeal
Dissatisfied with the closure of the grievance, an appeal was filed to seek a thorough review of the case, highlighting specific concerns regarding the decision-making process. The individual expressed feelings of frustration and disappointment, emphasizing the importance of having their voice heard and the need for a fair resolution to the issues raised. This step was taken in hopes of addressing the inadequacies perceived in the initial handling of the grievance and ensuring that all aspects of the situation were considered in the appeal process.
- Appeal Number:
DHLTH/E/A/24/0000446 - Date of Receipt: 28/03/2024
The appeal text criticizes the report submitted by the General Manager (HR), NHM, UP, calling it “arbitrary and inconsistent.” It reiterates the core issue: the prolonged delay in releasing the waiting list despite vacant positions. The appeal questions the integrity of the staff involved and suggests that the delay is a tactic to hide irregularities in the appointment process. It demands action against officials who failed to address the substance of the original complaint.
Lack of transparency and accountability in selection process of recruitment
Director National Health Mission overlooked representation of contractual staff concerning anomalies in process of appointment
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