Rural Health Workers’ Strike Disrupts Services in State
13th Day of Protest Over Technical Grade Pay and Departmental Examination
Healthcare services in rural areas of the state have been affected as the healthcare workers’ strike entered its 13th day on Thursday. Around 22,000 workers are participating in the protest, demanding a general resolution (GR) on the departmental examination and their inclusion in technical grade pay.
Demand for Relevant Syllabus and Technical Grade Pay
- The protesters claim that the syllabus for the departmental examination is irrelevant to their existing service or scope of work.
- They are also demanding inclusion in technical grade pay, which would significantly increase the salary of over 20,000 employees who perform tasks deemed technical in other states.
Administration’s Response and Protesters’ Determination
The administration has assured the protesters of resolving the issue, but no GR has been issued so far. Employees in nine districts have been dismissed, and employees in another three districts may face action soon. However, the protesters remain determined and refuse to resume duty until their demands are met.
Past Experience and Ongoing Negotiations
The protesters are wary of resuming duty before the issues are resolved, citing past experiences. The opinion on the technical grade pay issue was noted in 2022, but no steps have been taken for its implementation. The officials have asked the protesters to return to work and then engage in discussions, but the protesters remain firm in their stance.
