In a bid to pacify the agitating nurses, the AIIMS administration on Friday said it will resend their demand for higher pay scale and nursing allowances to the Health Ministry.

Due to the mass casual leave taken by the nurses from Friday, nearly 90 scheduled surgeries had to be postponed.

The AIIMS decided to take the step after holding a series of meetings with the nurses' union, which is demanding higher pay scale despite coming under the purview of the Seventh Pay Commission.

"We have decided to send the fresh demands of the nurses union to the Health Ministry which will, in turn, send it to the Finance Ministry for consideration," said Balram Airan, the acting Director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
 

The nurses, who held meetings with outgoing Deputy Director - Administration V. Srinivas, want a revision in their pay scales and a hike in allowances.

"We have told the administration that if our entire pay grade is not enhanced from Rs 4,600 to Rs 5,400, then we will go on indefinite strike from March 27," said a senior nurse.

They have also sought enhancement in their nursing allowances by Rs 7,800.