Punjab Nursing Staff Strike Cripples Medical Colleges; State Invokes ESMA

Nurses at government medical colleges in Amritsar, Patiala, and Mohali launch an indefinite strike over a 2021 grade pay cut — as the state government orders an immediate return to work under the Essential Services Maintenance Act.

Key Facts at a Glance

Trigger: Grade pay cut from ₹4,600 to ₹2,800 by Congress govt in 2021
Striking Institutions: Medical colleges in Amritsar, Patiala & Mohali
Union: United Nurses Association of Punjab
Government Action: ESMA invoked; return-to-work order issued
Status: Strike ongoing; dialogue meeting called

Amritsar: Nursing staff at government medical colleges across Punjab walked off the job on Friday, launching an indefinite strike that has severely disrupted patient services at major public health institutions. In swift response, the Punjab government invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), directing all striking employees to immediately call off their protest and resume duty.

The Secretary of the Department of Medical Education confirmed the government’s order, warning that any continued absence would be treated as a violation of law. Despite the directive, union leaders signalled their resolve to hold the line unless concrete action is taken on their demands.

“This is not a sudden strike — it is the culmination of five to six years of deliberate government neglect.” — Ramanjit Singh, President, United Nurses Association of Punjab

The strike has been organised by the United Nurses Association of Punjab, which is protesting a controversial decision made by the previous Congress government in 2021. That order — issued without stated justification — slashed the grade pay for the nursing cadre from ₹4,600 to ₹2,800, a reduction that nurses say has translated into significant monthly salary losses across the entire cadre.

Addressing a gathering of protesters at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, Amritsar, Association President Ramanjit Singh said that nursing professionals from medical colleges in Amritsar, Patiala, and Mohali have unitedly entered an indefinite agitation. He made clear that the union is prepared for a decisive, make-or-break struggle this time, unlike previous protests that were called off midway.

“We have been raising this issue for five to six years,” Singh said. “Each time, the government offered assurances but delivered nothing. Our patience has run out.” He held the current AAP-led Punjab government directly responsible for the disruption in healthcare services, stating that its continued inaction has forced nurses into the streets.

Healthcare services at medical colleges in Amritsar have been significantly affected, with routine nursing care suspended and patients — many of them from low-income backgrounds who depend on government hospitals — facing acute hardships.

While the state government has called for a dialogue meeting with union representatives, Singh cautioned that unless the talks produce a firm, time-bound commitment to restoring the original grade pay, the strike will continue without interruption. “We are open to talks,” he said, “but words alone will not work anymore. We need action.”

The invocation of ESMA, a law that prohibits strikes in essential services, adds a legal dimension to the standoff and raises the stakes for both sides. Violations can result in disciplinary action, including dismissal. Even so, unions have historically pushed back against ESMA orders in similar disputes across Indian states.

As of the time of publication, the strike remains in force. Patients at affected hospitals have been urged to contact the hospital administration for emergency assistance, while the government has stated it is making alternative arrangements to minimise disruption.

What is ESMA? The Essential Services Maintenance Act empowers state governments to prohibit strikes in services deemed essential to public life — including health, water, power, and transport. Violations can attract legal penalties.

Union Demands