PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
The Nursing Ekta Manch (NEM) has expressed concern at no decision being taken on the stipend demand of State nursing interns in the recent cabinet meeting and planned to hold a rally in support of their demand.
Nursing interns from government nursing colleges in Dehradun, Almora, Haldwani and other places have been demanding a monthly stipend of Rs 13,000 and also staged a protest, along with a candle march, a few days ago. Sources said the Directorate of Medical Education has sent a proposal to the government to provide nursing students with a monthly stipend. However, despite the proposal, no discussion or decision was taken in the cabinet regarding nursing interns, which has disappointed the NEM members.
Talking to The Pioneer, NEM president Naval Pundir said that no decision on nursing interns’ stipend was taken in the recent cabinet meeting, which is a matter of concern. He said that decisions regarding junior resident doctors and senior resident doctors were taken, but despite a proposal being sent, no decision was taken on the nursing interns’ stipend. He said this has left them dissatisfied and they will soon hold a discussion with nursing interns of the State regarding future strategy. They may hold a rally or intensify the agitation for the stipend demand, he added.
Before the cabinet meeting, Pundir said that sources had indicated that a proposal for nursing interns’ stipend had been submitted. Earlier, when unemployed nursing graduates under the NEM banner had protested for a long time, assurances were given and proposal talks were held, but no action was taken. He said the nursing internship is about to start in October. If no action is taken on the stipend demand within eight to 10 days or in the cabinet, the NEM will support the nursing interns, come out on the streets and hold an agitation.
