PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Dehradun
Nursing interns across the State have expressed concern over the stipend demand and intended to approach the CM portal for their demand soon. Nursing interns from State Nursing Colleges of Dehradun, Almora and Haldwani, among others, have been raising concern for a stipend of Rs 13,000 per month and even protested a few days back along with holding candle march recently.
Informing about this in detail, nursing interns said around 1,600 nursing interns/students have been part of campaigns demanding Rs 13,000 stipend per month. They said in the year 2023, their seniors had raised concern and protested for the same demand and at that time authorities concerned provided assurance to them, but till now no action has been seen. Considering this, a few days back they commenced a campaign for stipend demand on social media.
Nursing interns further said other States have been providing stipends to nursing interns, but here it is not. In addition to the social media campaign, around 700 nursing interns sent mail to the Health minister and authorities concerned. Along with this, protests have recently been held at Almora, Haldwani and a candle march in Dehradun.
They further expressed concern about a recent directive issued by the Directorate of Medical Education. According to nursing interns, the directive calls for disciplinary action against students who participate in protests including the possibility of expulsion for more than three months.
The nursing interns said that if they peacefully put forward their views before the government regarding the honorarium they receive during internship, it should not be seen as mere indiscipline. They said that now, after this, students are going to their college and duty even as they held a candle march after it. They warned that soon they will approach the CM portal and if any action on their demand is not taken soon, they will intensify the movement.
