Patiala, Sept. 29 -- The Punjab government has invoked the East Punjab Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA) to end the nursing staff strike at the government medical colleges.

The nursing staff body, United Nurses Association of Punjab, remained adamant on their demands and asserted that the strike will continue.

The main demand of the protesters is that they were being paid a meagre salary of Rs.29,000 per month under the current Rs.2,800 pay grade. They are demanding an upgrade to a Rs.4,600 pay grade, which would raise their salary to nearly Rs.44,900 per month.

Striking nursing staff have been directed to immediately resume duty or face strict action. The order, issued by the principal secretary, medical education and resear...