National Health Mission (NHM) employees in Jammu and Kashmir have decided to prolong their ongoing strike by an additional 72 hours, following discussions with the government that reportedly failed to yield any concrete outcomes. The employees are advocating for a range of improvements to their working conditions and job security, including regularisation of their services, an increase in salaries, comprehensive social security benefits, the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, a golden handshake scheme, and improved retirement benefits. They also seek adequate compensation in cases of in-service death.
The widespread industrial action commenced on September 9, initially initiated by NHM employees in the Kashmir division with a 72-hour strike. This protest was subsequently joined by their counterparts in the Jammu division, escalating the pressure on the administration. Despite engagement with Health Minister Sakina Itoo and other political leaders, no agreement was reached, leading to the decision to extend the strike. To consolidate their efforts and press their demands more effectively, a Union Territory-level Joint Coordination Committee of NHM Employees has been formed.
Rohit Seth, president of the National Health Mission Employees Association (NHMEA), stated that the employees have repeatedly brought their concerns to the attention of the government, but progress has been minimal. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that despite repeated reminders regarding the demands of NHM employees, no substantial action has been taken by the authorities. Seth indicated that the employees had initially planned to commence their strike on September 18, but after consultations with their colleagues in Kashmir, the agitation was advanced. He further elaborated that NHM employees have exhausted all available democratic and administrative avenues, including submitting representations, participating in meetings, and engaging in discussions with the Mission Directorate, government officials, and the administration. Several critical issues remain unresolved, despite persistent efforts to find a resolution.
Another prominent employee leader, Musadiq Rafiq, confirmed that the decision to extend the protest was made after extensive consultations with members across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted that NHM employees in every district and block within the Union Territory are participating in the strike. While discussions with the government are ongoing, Rafiq expressed that no positive response has been received thus far concerning their demands. He further indicated that more than 11,500 NHM employees throughout Jammu and Kashmir are awaiting a clear assurance from the government before they will consider resuming their duties.
The ongoing strike by National Health Mission staff in Jammu and Kashmir underscores a significant challenge for the region’s healthcare delivery system. The NHM, a crucial program implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare, particularly to underserved populations. Its workforce, comprising a substantial number of contractual employees, plays a vital role in the execution of various health initiatives across the Union Territory. The demands put forth by these employees, including regularisation and improved pay scales, reflect a broader concern about the precarious nature of contractual employment in public service sectors. The failure to address these grievances promptly could have a cascading effect on public health services, potentially leading to disruptions in essential healthcare delivery, especially in remote and rural areas where NHM staff are often the primary point of contact for healthcare.
The employees’ insistence on demands such as the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission and enhanced social security benefits points to a desire for parity with regularly appointed government employees and a recognition of their contributions and sacrifices. The call for a golden handshake scheme and better compensation for in-service deaths highlights the inherent risks associated with their roles, particularly in challenging environments. The formation of a Union Territory-level Joint Coordination Committee signifies a unified and determined approach by the NHM staff to collectively bargain for their rights and entitlements. This coordinated effort is likely to amplify their voice and increase the pressure on the Jammu and Kashmir administration to engage in meaningful dialogue and find a sustainable solution.
The protracted nature of the strike, now extended for another 72 hours, suggests a deep-seated dissatisfaction among the NHM workforce. Their assertion that all democratic and administrative channels have been exhausted indicates a level of frustration with the response received from the government thus far. The participation of over 11,500 employees across all districts and blocks of Jammu and Kashmir demonstrates the widespread nature of the protest and the significant impact it is likely to have on healthcare services. The ball is now firmly in the court of the administration to address these long-standing issues and restore normalcy to the healthcare sector in the region.
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.
Leave a Reply