Punjab Nursing Staff Defy ESMA, Launch Indefinite Strike Over Grade Pay Restoration
In a bold move, nursing staff at government medical colleges across Punjab initiated an indefinite strike on Wednesday, demanding the reinstatement of a Rs 4,600 grade pay. This action comes despite the state government's invocation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) just a day earlier, setting the stage for a significant confrontation.
Strike Impacts Non-Emergency Services in Key Cities
The strike has disrupted non-emergency nursing services at government medical colleges in Patiala, Amritsar, and Mohali. However, union representatives have assured that emergency care is being managed through skeletal staff to prevent any compromise on critical patient needs. Hundreds of nurses, under the banner of the United Nurses Association (UNA), gathered at hospital gates, raising slogans and holding placards in a show of solidarity and defiance.
Union Leaders Detail Long-Running Dispute and Government Response
Arti Bali, president of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nursing Union in Patiala, emphasized that the protest was pre-announced. "We had already declared that we would go on strike from March 26, but the government invoked ESMA on March 25 night. Even then, we decided to go ahead as our demands remain unresolved," she stated. Ramanjit Singh Gill, UNA state president, explained that the agitation stems from a reduction in grade pay from Rs 4,600 to Rs 2,800 in 2021, which has created a substantial salary gap for new nursing recruits. He highlighted that this change has disproportionately affected entry-level staff, fueling their determination to continue the strike until the government formally restores the higher grade pay.
Allegations of Discrimination and Broader Implications
The association has raised concerns about disparities, alleging that nursing staff in neighboring states such as Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh receive higher grade pay, labeling Punjab's decision as discriminatory. This strike not only underscores the ongoing labor dispute but also poses a challenge to the state government's authority, with officials warning of potential action under ESMA if essential services are significantly disrupted. The situation remains tense as both sides stand firm on their positions, with no immediate resolution in sight.
