The PGI Differently Abled Employees Union has lodged a formal complaint with the director of the institution, alleging that disrespectful and discriminatory comments were directed towards disabled nursing personnel at the Drug De-Addiction and Treatment Centre (DDTC).
In its written communication, the union has called for disciplinary measures against the acting Deputy Nursing Superintendent (DNS), claiming that remarks made during staff deployment discussions at the DDTC breached the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act of 2016, along with the CCS Conduct Rules.
The complaint details that the incident occurred during conversations about managing aggressive and erratic patients at the DDTC, where the nursing unit is currently experiencing staffing shortages. The union contends that the acting DNS specifically referenced the physical limitations of four differently abled nursing officials to imply that these patients would be challenging for them to handle safely, even during standard medication rounds.
The union asserts that the phrasing used in the official communication created an impression that differently abled staff members are incapable of performing their roles effectively. It described the language as not only degrading but also inconsistent with the protections and spirit embodied in the RPWD Act.
Furthermore, the complaint highlights what it describes as a “clear instance of selective discrimination.” Of the eleven nursing officials assigned to the DDTC, five are non-disabled personnel who are also present due to medical reasons, according to the union. However, they allege that the official note solely addressed the limitations of the disabled nursing staff while neglecting to mention the work constraints or capabilities of the other employees.
The union emphasized that this selective mention fosters a misleading narrative that disabled employees are solely less capable, which it finds deeply offensive and a violation of their dignity. They also pointed out that this situation reflects the administration’s ongoing failure to enact previously suggested recommendations related to raising awareness and promoting sensitivity towards disability rights within the institution.
For months, the union has been advocating for workshops, seminars, and awareness programs for officials, departmental heads, and administrative staff to ensure adherence to disability rights regulations. They referenced multiple meetings held on January 30, July 17, and November 13, 2024, where these issues were discussed, yet they claim that no effective awareness program has been organized by the PGI administration.
In addition to seeking action against the acting DNS, the union has urged the director to promptly implement the Grievance Committee’s recommendations for Persons with Disabilities. These recommendations include regular awareness sessions for officers and departmental leaders, displaying provisions of the RPWD Act on notice boards throughout the departments, and providing rights-related information on the institute’s official website. The union cautioned that failing to take timely action could harm the dignity of differently abled employees and negatively impact the overall professional environment at the esteemed medical institution.
Satyaveer Dagur, president of the PGI Differently Abled Employees Union, emphasized that they have repeatedly urged the PGI administration to conduct awareness programs to ensure that officials and staff are fully informed about the rights and needs of persons with disabilities. Despite numerous reminders, the issue remains unaddressed, leading to the recurrence of such incidents.
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