PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Unemployed nursing graduates have warned that they will intensify their protest if the State government does not act on their demands soon. The protesters, under the banner of Nursing Ekta Manch (NEM), have been demonstrating for nearly two months at the designated protest site at Ekta Vihar, marking the 59th day of their protest on Sunday. These graduates are advocating for their longstanding demands which include a transparent recruitment process that favours candidates based on their year-wise seniority after completing their qualifying examinations and other demands.
Recently, as part of their protest, they held a march towards the chief minister’s residence and planned to hold a public tonsuring (Samuhik Mundan). On that day, some representatives of the NEM were taken to the Health directorate for discussions with senior officials. During these talks, the senior officials acknowledged the NEM’s demands as legitimate and assured the representatives that positive actions would be taken regarding all issues related to nursing recruitment. They emphasised that appropriate decisions would be made in the best interests of junior nursing candidates, keeping their future in mind. Consequently, unemployed nursing graduates postponed their plan to hold the public tonsuring event.
Updating on the current situation, NEM president Naval Pundir stated that a few days ago, when they marched toward the CM residence and planned the tonsuring, discussions with senior health officials took place. After receiving assurances from them, the plan for the communal shaving was postponed. However, no action has been taken on their demands thus far. Pundir said that in light of this, they continued their protest at Ekta Vihar on Sunday. He further emphasised that sources indicate the concerned department is working on their demands. Additionally, regarding their longstanding demands, they also planned to approach the secretary of the Health department. Pundir warned that if the government or the concerned authorities do not act soon, they will intensify their protest.
