The National Health Mission Employees Association (NHMEA) in Jammu and Kashmir has issued a stern ultimatum to the administration, warning of a Union Territory-wide strike commencing on September 18 if their long-pending demands are not met by September 17. The association stated that all democratic and administrative avenues have been exhausted in their pursuit of genuine concerns.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, NHMEA president Rohit Seth articulated the employees’ frustration, highlighting repeated representations, meetings, and discussions with the Mission Directorate, administration, and government that have failed to yield concrete resolutions. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that NHM employees have consistently performed their duties under challenging conditions, making significant contributions to the healthcare infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite these efforts, critical issues pertaining to salary, pay revision, regularization, social security, and job security remain inadequately addressed.
The NHMEA has put forth a series of demands, prominently featuring the initiation of a clear and time-bound process for the regularization and long-term job security of eligible NHM employees. Furthermore, the association is advocating for the implementation of the principle of ‘Equal pay for equal work,’ ensuring that NHM staff receive compensation commensurate with their counterparts performing similar duties until the regularization process is finalized. The employees are also seeking the extension and application of 7th Pay Commission benefits for those eligible.
A significant demand from the association includes the provision of financial assistance amounting to Rs 30 lakh to the families of NHM employees who die in service, intended as a crucial social security measure for their dependents. Other key demands encompass retirement benefits, a loyalty bonus, a one-time transfer policy, and the timely disbursement of salaries. Seth emphasized that these demands are neither unreasonable nor novel, having been consistently raised with the concerned authorities over an extended period. He stated that while assurances of consideration have been provided, employees now require tangible decisions, a defined roadmap, and visible action.
The association has previously engaged with Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo, along with other relevant officials, to convey their grievances. Dr. Ashraf Giri, chief spokesperson for the NHMEA, reiterated that the government is being given a final opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to resolving the genuine concerns of NHM employees. He designated September 17 as the definitive deadline for meaningful and concrete action. (According to The Tribune India, Dr. Giri stated, “If the genuine demands of NHM employees remain substantially unaddressed by September 17, the Association will have no option but to proceed with a UT-wide strike and intensified protest from September 18. This decision has been taken after considerable patience and repeated attempts at dialogue and representation.”)
The potential strike action by NHM staff could significantly disrupt healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir, impacting patient care and the overall functioning of the public health system. The employees’ prolonged patience and their resort to a strike threat underscore the urgency and seriousness with which they view their unresolved demands. The administration faces a critical juncture, with the September 17 deadline looming, necessitating a decisive response to avert widespread industrial action.
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.