Bonded Nurses, Paramedics Get Relief as Meghalaya Govt Approves Regularization

By - Admin 09 Dec, 2025 Comments (0) 2 Mins Read

Shillong, Dec 19: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday asserted that the Meghalaya government will not tolerate terrorism or illegal activities by the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), following an improvised explosive device (IED) attack on the Dhar Company premises in Shymplong, East Jaintia Hills district. The militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the blast, alleging that the attack targeted property linked to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar after he refused to comply with extortion demands. Reacting to the incident, Sangma said the government has taken the matter seriously and assured that swift and decisive action is being taken by the police. “The government will not tolerate such activities. The police have made a very strong case and they have enough information and full evidence. Action has been taken very swiftly, and those behind it will definitely be picked up,” the Chief Minister told reporters. When asked about reports that several politicians in Meghalaya have been served extortion demand notes by militant groups, Sangma said he did not have specific details but pointed out contradictions in the HNLC’s claims. “Details I don’t have with me, but earlier they were saying he was paying and now they are saying he is not paying. That itself is quite contradictory,” he said. The Chief Minister further indicated that more information would be officially shared by the police. “I am sure the Superintendent of Police will be sharing the details tomorrow,” he added. In a statement issued by its general secretary, Sainkupar Nongtraw, the HNLC claimed responsibility for the IED attack, alleging that the outfit targeted the Deputy Chief Minister’s property due to non-compliance with extortion demands. Meanwhile, police have confirmed the arrest of two over-ground workers of the HNLC on December 18 in connection with the blast. According to police officials, the arrested individuals have confessed to planting the explosive device. Security has been tightened in sensitive areas of East Jaintia Hills district as investigations continue, with authorities reiterating their commitment to maintaining law and order in the state.

SHILLONG, Dec 9: In a major relief for healthcare workers, the Meghalaya government has approved the regularization of services of more than 221 bonded nurses and paramedics who were appointed between 2008 and 2012.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced the decision after chairing the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. He said the government examined the issue in detail with inputs from the Health Department and representatives of bonded nurses.

“After detailed discussions with the health department and the bonded nurses, the Cabinet has decided to recognize the appointments made during that period. Appointments were made and procedures were followed, and hence the Cabinet today decided that the 221 bonded nurses and bonded paramedics who were appointed between 2008-2012 — we have decided to confirm those appointments and recognise them,” Sangma said.

He clarified that there will be no fresh recruitment for those posts, as the existing appointees will be regularised.
“So basically, recruitment for those posts will not be done as we have already approved and recognized the appointments made during that particular period purely for bonded nurses and bonded paramedics,” he added.

Sangma explained the distinction between adhoc employees and bonded nurses, stating that while adhoc appointments were made without following standard recruitment procedures, bonded nurses underwent a formal selection process and signed legal agreements.

“When we went deeper into the system, we realised that the bonded nurses — even when they went for the education — the selection was done and based on that a bond was signed, and based on that appointments were given,” he said.

He added that since the bonded appointment system was a legal arrangement (abolished from 2013 onward), the government decided to uphold it.

“When we saw that part of the bond being there and the fact that there was a legal kind of agreement which was again abolished by 2013, we took a conscious decision that since these were bonds and appointments were made, we will recognize those appointments and we will allow them to continue to work,” Sangma stated.