Around 1,500 nurses go on indefinite strike over pay disparity; government warns of strict action under ESMA
Healthcare services across three major government medical college hospitals in Punjab have been severely affected after nearly 1,500 nursing staff launched an indefinite strike on Thursday, defying the East Punjab Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1947 (ESMA).
The strike has disrupted operations at Rajindra Medical College and Hospital, Patiala, Government Medical College, Amritsar, and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, leading to an acute shortage of trained nursing staff and raising serious concerns over patient care.
Pay Dispute at the Core of Protest
The agitation, led by the United Nurses Association of Punjab, revolves around the demand for implementation of Level 7 of the Central pay scale with a grade pay of ₹4,600.
Association president Ramanjit Singh Gill stated that the demand has been pending for nearly five years. “In neighbouring states, nurses are already receiving ₹4,600 grade pay, but Punjab nurses continue to receive lower salaries despite similar responsibilities,” he said.
Alleged Pay Downgrade Sparks Anger
According to the association, nurses recruited after July 17, 2020, were initially promised Level 7 salaries but were downgraded to Level 5 in February 2021. This reduced their starting basic pay from ₹44,900 to ₹29,200.
Association patron Jujhar Singh Mann termed the move “cheating,” stating, “We were recruited on higher pay, worked during COVID, and later downgraded through a notification. We have been fighting for our rightful dues since then.”
He also highlighted that new recruits receive only basic pay for the first three years, adding financial strain. According to him, Punjab nurses earn ₹15,000–₹20,000 less per month compared to counterparts in neighbouring states like Haryana.
Government Invokes ESMA, Issues Warning
In response to the strike, the Punjab government invoked ESMA on March 25. The order, issued by Kumar Rahul, Principal Secretary (Health), directed all nursing and essential medical staff to immediately resume duties.
Under ESMA, strikes in essential services are considered illegal. Violators may face up to six months’ imprisonment, fines, or both. The government can also enforce disciplinary measures such as suspension, termination, and the “no work, no pay” rule.
Hospitals Under Pressure, Patient Care at Risk
With fewer than 500 senior nurses per institution—mostly those recruited before July 2020—remaining on duty, hospitals are struggling to maintain normal operations. The burden has shifted to senior staff and nursing students, raising serious concerns about patient safety and quality of care.
Standoff Likely to Escalate
Despite legal threats and warnings, the striking nurses remain firm on their demands, signaling a potential escalation in the standoff between healthcare workers and the state government. The situation continues to be closely monitored as disruptions in critical healthcare services persist.
