Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 25: The All India Registered Nurses Federation (AIRNF) has formally raised objections to the recent notification from the Department of Health and Medical Education regarding draft recruitment rules for non-gazetted posts at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, set to take effect on October 21, 2024.
The Federation highlighted significant disparities in pay levels and nomenclature for nursing staff in Jammu and Kashmir compared to other States and Union Territories.
According to an official of the Federation, currently, the entry level pay for nursing staff in the Union Territory starts at Pay Level 4, with the designation of Junior Staff Nurse, regardless of qualifications ranging from GNM to Ph.D. In contrast, he said, other States offer an entry-level position of Nursing Officer at Pay Level 7.
Moreover, while many States have adopted updated nomenclature as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Jammu and Kashmir has yet to implement these changes, leading to dissatisfaction among nursing professionals, he said.
The AIRNF also advocated for the introduction of nursing and dress allowances, which are already in place in various States and were initiated in the Union Territory of Ladakh in 2021.
The AIRNF official further said that the draft rules for GMC Srinagar maintain the Matron and Assistant Matron positions at Pay Level 7, whereas other regions recognize Nursing Officer as the entry-level post, with promotion pathways extending to Chief Nursing Officer at Pay Level 12.
In light of these concerns, the AIRNF submitted a representation to the Lieutenant Governor, seeking rectification of pay levels, a change in nomenclature, and the implementation of rightful allowances for all nurses in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Federation has also forwarded the copies of the representation to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Health and Medical Education Minister, and the Administrative Secretary of the Health and Medical Education Department.
The Federation hoped that the J&K administration will address their demands and ensure that nursing professionals receive equitable pay and positions commensurate with their qualifications and responsibilities.
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