Nimhans staff to give ultimatum on demands

The employees association at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (Nimhans) is all set to give a two-week ultimatum to the management to resolve their issues.

On Friday, members of the Nimhans Employees Association sought a gate meeting with the director. Hundreds gathered in front of the director’s office only to be refused entry.

The members submitted a memorandum, seeking various appointments, designation changes and changes in pay as Nimhans has turned into an institute of national importance.

The director, however, requested the staff to send him a detailed proposal with possible solutions that address their demands.

A source at Nimhans said once the proposal is drafted, the staff would be willing to give a two-week period for the management to address the issues, failing which they would go on a strike.

“We are in the process of drafting the proposal. We have been asked to give possible solutions. After we submit this, we will wait for 14 days. If the issues are not addressed, we will go on a strike,” said the source.

Speaking about the incident, director Dr B N Gandgadhar said it is possible to resolve issues only when the entire staff works as a team. “I am working towards fulfilling their demands,” he said.

Poor patient-staff ratio

One of the primary concerns that the agitated staff expressed was the poor patient-staff ratio.

A top source at the institute said the appointment of 256 nurses was pending and they had submitted a proposal to the Union ministry for these appointments, and are awaiting orders.