National Health Mission (NHM) employees across Jammu and Kashmir are on the brink of mass resignations, issuing a stern warning to the government against any punitive actions aimed at forcing them back to work. The workers, who have been engaged in a strike for five consecutive days, allege they are facing threats of strict consequences if they do not immediately resume their duties. Their protest centers on demands for job security, the timely disbursement of salaries, the implementation of 7th Pay Commission benefits, and other critical service-related entitlements.
The ongoing agitation, which began with a 72-hour strike on Wednesday, was extended by an additional three days on Saturday, with the current phase scheduled to conclude on Monday. Despite ongoing discussions, no significant breakthrough has been reported between the government and the striking NHM staff. Employees from various districts, hospitals, health centers, and healthcare institutions throughout Jammu and Kashmir have joined the protest. On Sunday, demonstrators continued their peaceful demonstration, visibly expressing their discontent by wearing black ribbons to highlight the unresolved issues.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that local authorities have instructed all Block Medical Officers (BMOs) to submit daily attendance reports of NHM staff to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) offices, a move perceived by the workers as increased pressure. Dr. Ashraf Giri, the chief spokesperson for the NHM Employees Association, J&K, stated that employees are experiencing verbal coercion to return to their posts. He emphasized the unity of all NHM employees in their protest, asserting that any action taken against even a single employee would inevitably lead to widespread mass resignations. The association is urging the government to address their legitimate demands.
Rohit Seth, the association’s president, indicated that the current protest could have been averted if the government had ensured the timely payment of salaries, extended the benefits of the 7th Pay Commission, issued the long-delayed loyalty bonus order, and provided adequate compensation for duties performed on Sundays and gazetted holidays. Seth highlighted that NHM employees have consistently served with dedication despite persistent uncertainties surrounding their employment future and ongoing service-related grievances. He further articulated the demand for equal pay for equal work for NHM employees until a regularization policy is established, drawing parallels with benefits provided to NHM staff in states such as Delhi and Haryana.
The employees’ demands are rooted in a desire for stability and fair compensation, reflecting a broader concern for the welfare of healthcare workers who form a crucial part of the public health infrastructure. The prolonged strike has inevitably impacted healthcare services in various regions of Jammu and Kashmir, raising concerns about patient care. The government’s response, characterized by appeals to resume work and assurances of examination of concerns, has not yet appeased the striking workforce. The Health Minister, Sakina Itoo, had previously appealed to the NHM employees to return to work, stating that their issues had been brought to her attention and would be reviewed. She also mentioned having recently met with the Union Health Minister to advocate for an increase in the honorarium for NHM employees.
However, the employees’ representatives maintain that these assurances are insufficient and that concrete action is required to address their long-standing demands. The perceived pressure from local authorities, as evidenced by the directive for daily attendance reports, has further fueled their resolve. The NHM employees are seeking a clear roadmap for job security, which includes regularization and the implementation of pay parity with their counterparts in other states. The current impasse underscores the critical need for the administration to engage in constructive dialogue and find a sustainable resolution that acknowledges the contributions and rights of these essential healthcare workers.
The situation remains tense as the strike continues, with the threat of mass resignations hanging over the government. The NHM employees’ association has reiterated its commitment to pursuing their demands until they are met, emphasizing that their collective action is a last resort in the face of unaddressed grievances. The government faces a significant challenge in balancing administrative directives with the legitimate concerns of its healthcare workforce, particularly given the vital role NHM employees play in delivering essential health services across the Union Territory.
The employees’ collective bargaining power is evident in their unified stance and the potential for mass resignations, which would undoubtedly create a crisis in the region’s healthcare delivery system. The demands for timely salaries and 7th Pay Commission benefits are standard expectations for government-affiliated workers, and their prolonged denial has led to the current industrial action. The call for equal pay for equal work, mirroring practices in states like Delhi and Haryana, highlights a perceived disparity in compensation and benefits that the NHM staff in Jammu and Kashmir are seeking to rectify. This situation reflects a broader national discourse on the rights and welfare of contract and contractual employees in public service sectors.
The government’s approach, which appears to involve a combination of appeals and perceived pressure tactics, has so far failed to de-escalate the situation. The employees’ association’s firm stance suggests that they are prepared for a prolonged confrontation if their demands are not met with sincerity and prompt action. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether a resolution can be reached through negotiation or if the situation will escalate further, potentially leading to a significant disruption in healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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