Madras HC: Increase contract nurses’ salary to Rs 14,000 within 2 weeks, TN government told

Passing interim orders on a PIL pending on this issue, the first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice PT Asha, while referring to the counter affidavit filed by the state, said, “We are informed that a proposal was sent to government of India for the revision of salary to the contract staff nurses through National Health Mission and the government of India has approved the same. Orders enhancing the salary from Rs 7,700 to Rs 14,000 with an annual increment of Rs 500 will be issued shortly. Necessary orders shall be passed within a period of two weeks.”

Also, the bench while referring to the core committee which was formed under the Chairmanship of the Principle Secretary to the Government, Health and Family Welfare Department to go into improving the working conditions of the contract nurses said, “The Core Committee shall give the concerned nurses and the associations an opportunity of hearing and decide on the same on a case-to-case basis. In case of nurses performing same duties, equal remuneration will have to be paid. The total exercise has to be completed by the Core Committee within six months from June 11.”

The government in its counter had also submitted that as on April 19, 2018, as many as 204 contract nurses were absorbed into the regular stream and they will be paid regular time scale of pay. Action is also being taken for bringing the remaining contract nurses into the regular stream as and when regular vacancies arise which has been the practice.

The bench then posted the matter to July 2 for filing compliance report.