Raipur: The Nursing Officers Association in Chhattisgarh has announced a state-wide agitation demanding a revision of the grade pay for the nursing cadre. The association has made it clear that if the proposal regarding grade pay is not implemented before Diwali, an indefinite state-wide protest will commence on November 18.
Ahead of the main agitation, the organization is holding symbolic protests in various districts. Nursing staff in Korba, Ambikapur, and Mahasamund staged two-hour protests to convey their demands to the government. Preparations are also underway for similar symbolic protests in Jagdalpur, Kanker, and Rajnandgaon in the coming days.
Indefinite agitation to begin on November 18
According to the Nursing Officers Association, if the government does not take a positive decision regarding their demands, a state-wide indefinite agitation will begin on November 18. This protest will involve not only regular employees but also nursing staff working on contractual and daily-wage bases.
The organization states that plans are in place to involve the nursing cadre working in all ten medical colleges of the state in the agitation. The association has clarified that their protest will continue until the proposal regarding grade pay is implemented.
Questions raised regarding government’s stance on grade pay
The association has questioned the government’s policy regarding the demands of the nursing cadre. The organization asserts that the demand for grade pay revision has been pending for a long time, yet no concrete action has been taken in this direction so far.
Nursing staff emphasize that they play a crucial role in the healthcare system; therefore, a decision on the long-pending grade pay demand should be taken promptly.
Memorandum to be submitted to the Chief Minister
To convey their demands to the government, the Nursing Officers Association is preparing to submit a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister. The organization has also sought permission to hold a ‘scooty rally’ for this purpose.
The association has stated that if their demands are not met, the agitation will be expanded and intensified in a phased manner. Following protests in Korba, Ambikapur, and Mahasamund, preparations are now underway for proposed demonstrations in Jagdalpur, Kanker, and Rajnandgaon.
The organization will determine its future strategy based on the government’s response to these protests.
