Talks between State’s premier health institution–Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) authorities and RIMS Contractual Nurses Association members proved futile to end the strike that began in the hospital from Monday.
As many as 367 contractual nurses of RIMS went on an indefinite strike for pressing their long pending demands of regularisation and salary hike. They refused to return to the services on false assurances.
Member of RIMS Contractual Nurses Association Ramrekha Rai said, “Enough is enough. We will not call off the strike unless we get the appointment letters. From past 11 years we are working here on contractual basis but neither we were made permanent nor we got any increment in the paid salary. Whenever, we tried to raise voice for our demands the administration on giving their fake promises has always suppressed the matter. They always assured to make us permanent staffs soon but nothing has been done about it so far. In the February 6, 2012 board meeting the decision has already been taken but nothing has been done.”
Notably, around 399 odd nurses were appointed on contractual basis at RIMS in 2003, for a period of one year. After much hue and cry over the matter a decision in their favour was taken in the RIMS board meeting scheduled on February 6, 2012. Despite the decision they were not handed over appointment letters depriving from the facilities such as home allowances, clothes allowances among others.
“Due to assembly polls the model code of conduct will be implemented within a month and the matter will remain unresolved. This time we are adamant on our decision and will not call off the strike unless gets regularisation,” added Rai.
However, the RIMS administration on the other hand is making all possible effort to bring the situation back to normal again.
“We are urging the association members to join the duties back and in return will address their grievances soon. We are discussing the matter with the health department officials and are hopeful to come up a concrete solution soon,” said RIMS Director Dr SK Choudhary.
Meanwhile, Secretary to Health Minister Wilson Bhengra on Sunday had met with the association members and had assured them to address the grievances as soon as possible.
Principal Secretary of Health Department BK Tripathy said, “Discussion over the matter is in process. We are trying to locate the actual problem behind it. Once the picture gets clear further action accordingly will be taken soon.”