Protests erupt in Rajasthan after nurse among 6,500 laid-off staff dies by suicide
A 30-year-old contractual nurse in Jaipur allegedly died by suicide after losing his job, triggering protests by nursing staff across Rajasthan and intensifying the controversy
A 30-year-old contractual nurse in Jaipur allegedly died by suicide after losing his job, triggering protests by nursing staff across Rajasthan and intensifying the controversy surrounding the removal of thousands of contractual healthcare workers from government hospitals. The deceased, identified as Deepak Charwal from Dausa district, had been working at Jaipur's Women Hospital through a placement agency for the past three years. According to colleagues, Deepak reported for duty earlier this week but was informed that his services had been terminated as part of the state government's decision to discontinue the engagement of contractual nursing staff. Hospital authorities had also reportedly removed the attendance register for the affected employees.
Read Full Story Fellow nursing workers said Deepak was deeply distressed after learning about the loss of his job. While many of his colleagues joined protests against the government's decision, Deepak allegedly returned home and consumed poison. He later succumbed, sparking outrage among healthcare workers and leading to demonstrations outside Jaipur's Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital. Several unemployed nursing staff gathered at the hospital demanding justice for Deepak and the reinstatement of terminated employees. Congress MLAs Rafiq Khan and Amin Kagzi also joined the protests in support of the nursing workers. Family members said Deepak was the sole earning member of his household.
He is survived by a four-year-old child, while his wife is reportedly pregnant. His relatives said he had been under considerable stress due to uncertainty over his employment and concerns about supporting his family. His father-in-law told reporters that Deepak had been worried about his future for several days. RAJASTHAN GOVERNMENT DISMISSES 6,500 NURSING PERSONNEL The incident has brought renewed attention to the Rajasthan government's decision to remove around 6,500 contractual nursing personnel employed through private placement agencies in government hospitals. The workers were originally recruited during the Ashok Gehlot-led government since 2022, with their numbers increasing significantly over the years.
The state government has now opted to fill nursing positions through a recruitment process and appoint candidates on a five-year contractual basis. However, protesting nurses have demanded that existing workers be regularised or accommodated in the ongoing recruitment drive for 3,000 Nursing Officer posts. Following Deepak's death, demonstrations have spread to several parts of the state, with nursing staff accusing the government of ignoring the plight of thousands of workers who suddenly lost their livelihoods. Ends
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