The Allahabad High Court has questioned the Uttar Pradesh Health Department over the alleged sidelining of Covid warriors in ongoing recruitment drives.
Taking serious note of the issue, the bench of Justice Ajit Kumar asked why healthcare workers who risked their lives during the pandemic are being overlooked for re-engagement.
During the hearing, the court directed the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Azamgarh to file a personal affidavit explaining the recruitment process.
It warned that failure to submit the affidavit may lead to the court summoning the Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) in Lucknow on the next date of hearing.
Petitioners’ Claims
Petitioners Brijesh Kumar, Ramanuj and others, represented by advocates Rajat Airon and Raj Kumar Singh, argued that Covid warriors had rendered ‘exceptional national service’ under contract during the pandemic.
They said the NHM and the Principal Secretary of the Health Department had issued directives to give these workers priority in reappointment.
However, in several districts, including Azamgarh, authorities allegedly terminated their services and hired new candidates on contract, contrary to government orders.
The petitioners highlighted that sweepers, ward boys, ayahs and technicians now face severe livelihood crises after losing their jobs despite their pandemic service.
The bench noted that the state had publicly promised to honour Covid warriors, but their termination and replacement with new contractual hires raises serious questions.
It directed the Azamgarh CMO to file a personal affidavit before the next hearing, scheduled for October 13, detailing compliance with government orders on reappointment.
The court also observed that failure to comply with its order could lead to the personal appearance of senior officials. The High Court sought an affidavit and signalled further action, reinforcing that recruitment policies cannot ignore the contributions of Covid warriors.
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