Differences have emerged among National Health Mission (NHM) employees in Jammu and Kashmir following the deferment of their month-long strike. The agitation, which began on September 9, was called off on Friday after the NHM employees’ association received assurances from the government that their demands, including regularization and salary hikes, would be examined. However, one faction has voiced strong objections to the manner in which the strike was suspended, questioning the decision-making process.
The deferment came after a meeting between employee leaders and Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, along with other officials. This development has, however, exposed a rift within the NHM workforce, with some members expressing disappointment and distrust in the process. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the National Health Mission Employees Association (Registered), JK UT, led by Rohit Seth, has publicly stated its commitment to standing with all NHM employees across Jammu and Kashmir to fight for their genuine rights, dignity, and welfare. Seth articulated his deep disappointment, noting that the trust placed in the process had once again led to a sense of letdown. He emphasized that the recurring pattern of employee disappointment could no longer be tolerated.
Targeting the leaders who agreed to a one-month deferment, Seth asserted that no single individual, group, or association possesses the authority to compromise the interests of the 12,000 to 13,000 NHM employees. He stressed that the future, rights, and legitimate demands of such a large workforce should not be subjected to personal negotiations or compromises. Seth further indicated that the developments on September 18 appeared to have been pre-planned, a perception that has understandably generated serious questions among the NHM employees. He clarified that his association had offered support solely to stand in solidarity with the employees and their genuine demands.
In contrast, another association, identified as the National Health Mission Employees Association (Jammu Division), issued a statement confirming the deferment of the ongoing strike for one month. This decision, they stated, was a direct result of written assurances provided by the Health Minister during the meeting with the UT-level coordination committee of NHM employees. Dr. Vikas Sharma, president of this association, addressed concerns about negativity and confusion being spread among employees, urging colleagues not to be misled by such narratives. He highlighted the written assurances from the government as a significant development and explained that the decision to defer the strike was a collective one made by the UT-level coordination committee in the broader interest of the more than 12,000 NHM employees in Jammu and Kashmir. Sharma underscored the importance of these written assurances as a tangible outcome of the negotiations.
The core demands that fueled the strike included the regularization of services for NHM employees, who often work on contractual or project-based roles, and a substantial increase in their salaries. These employees play a crucial role in the public healthcare system, particularly in remote and underserved areas of Jammu and Kashmir, and their persistent demands reflect concerns about job security, fair compensation, and professional recognition. The current divergence of opinions within the employee ranks raises questions about the unified front required to effectively advocate for their long-standing grievances. The coming month will be critical in observing whether the government’s assurances translate into concrete actions and how the different factions within the NHM workforce navigate the path forward. The situation underscores the complex dynamics of employee-employer relations within government-funded health initiatives and the challenges of achieving consensus among diverse stakeholder groups. The government’s commitment to addressing the demands, as indicated by the Health Minister, will be closely scrutinized by all parties involved. The deferment, while providing a window for dialogue, has simultaneously exposed underlying tensions and differing strategies for achieving the ultimate goals of the NHM staff.
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.