The nurses of Government hospitals of the State have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from September 14 if the State Government continues to remain oblivious to their justified demands. Under the aegis of their forum, Uttarakhand Nursing Services Association the government nurses of state are on a path of agitation. The nurses are discharging their duties sporting black bands as a mark of protest.
The State president of association, Anjana Bhowmick told The Pioneer that all the nurses of the state are wearing black bands from September 01 and would continue to do so till September 05. She said that to put pressure on the state government all the nurses of state would take mass causal leaves from September 7 to September 9. A visibly agitated but determined Bhowmick informed that if the state government fails to address their demands then the nurses have no option but to go on an indefinite strike. She informed that the proposed strike is form September 14.
The nurses are demanding increase in their grade pays. The association is of the view that the grade pay of Staff nurses should be increased to `4,800 from the present `4,600 and it should be hiked `5,400 in next two years. The association demands that the grade pay of nurses working as deputy director should be increased to `7,600 from present `6,600. The other demands of the association are setting up a separate Nursing directorate and increased chances of promotions to higher posts. The nurses are also asking for implementation of service manual for them as they are still governed by the rules of Uttar Pradesh.