Chennai, Dec 22 (NationPress) The standoff between the Tamil Nadu government and the contract nurses who are protesting persisted on Monday. This was despite a new round of negotiations led by Health and Family Welfare Minister Ma Subramanian, who unveiled several initiatives aimed at meeting their long-standing demands.

As the protest entered its fifth day, delegates from the Tamil Nadu Nurses Development Association convened with the Minister at the Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University located in Guindy.

Senior officials from the Health Department, including Secretary P. Senthilkumar, also took part in the discussions.

In a statement to the press following the meeting, Subramanian remarked that various “legitimate demands” from the nurses are being considered with empathy and seriousness. He pointed out that since the DMK government took charge, a total of 3,614 contract nurses have already transitioned to regular positions.

“The Chief Minister has instructed us to investigate all justified demands and take suitable actions,” he stated.

Among the significant announcements was the establishment of 750 new nursing posts, with appointment orders to be issued before Pongal. Of these, 724 positions will be allocated to those who served during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, the Health Minister disclosed that permanent orders would soon be granted to 169 nurses who have fulfilled the necessary service conditions.

Regarding maternity benefits—a major concern for the protesters—Subramanian indicated that the government is actively contemplating the extension of paid maternity leave to MRB and consolidated-pay nurses.

He also announced that a government order to establish nursing colleges at government medical college hospitals is forthcoming.

The Minister criticized the MRB recruitment system that was implemented in 2014-15 during the previous AIADMK administration, labeling it as flawed and inadequate.

“This government does not just make promises in its manifesto; it ensures their execution,” he asserted.

Despite these assurances, the protesting nurses opted not to immediately call off their agitation, stating they would consult their leadership before making any decisions. The ongoing protest began on December 18 when contract nurses initiated a hunger strike on Sivanantha Salai, presenting a 10-point charter of demands, including equal pay for equal work and permanent positions for all consolidated-pay nurses.

After being removed from the protest site and dropped off at the Kilambakkam bus terminus, the nurses continued their demonstration there, later moving to a sit-in near the primary health centre at Guduvancheri.

The outcome of the protest now depends on the unions' reaction to the government's new assurances.