Unemployed nursing graduates threaten to intensify protest over inaction on their demands
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Despite prolonged protests and a hunger strike, unemployed nursing graduates said that authorities have taken no action on their demands. The protesters have now warned the State government that they will escalate their agitation in the coming days if their demands remain unaddressed. The protesters under the banner of the Nursing Ekta Manch (NEM), have been demonstrating for several days at Ekta Vihar, marking the 150th day of their protest on Sunday. Despite the duration of their demonstration, their demands remain unmet. With no response so far, they escalated their protest 15 days ago by launching a hunger strike. The continued inaction has further angered the demonstrators.
The said graduates are advocating for a transparent recruitment process that prioritises candidates based on their seniority after completing their qualifying examinations, among other issues.
The president of NEM Naval Pundir stated that they have been protesting for an extended period. Recently, they intensified their protests by commencing a hunger strike, during which about 10 protesters have been hospitalised so far. Currently, two protesters are in the ICU due to health complications resulting from the hunger strike. Pundir highlighted that, despite the challenges posed by health issues, inclement weather and other difficulties, the protesters have remained steadfast in their demands, but no action has been taken.
He said that a meeting with the Health secretary is scheduled for Tuesday. If no action is taken on their demands during this meeting, the protesters plan to escalate their agitation after that date.
