NHM employees threaten fresh agitation over job policy and pay revision
The Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association has asked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene regarding unfulfilled government commitments.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEAK) warned on Thursday that it may resume its agitation if government commitments remain unaddressed. According to the Kashmir Observer, the association is seeking the personal intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to implement promises made during a meeting on September 18.
The association expressed resentment over the delay in turning assurances, given during a meeting chaired by Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo, into official government orders. The JKNHMEAK stated that employees had previously ended their strike in September following an appeal by the Chief Minister.
JKNHMEAK spokesperson Rouf Ahmad called for a comprehensive salary revision, a dignified job policy, and the implementation of equal pay for equal work. Other demands include social security coverage, retirement benefits, and the resolution of long-pending service-related issues.
The association noted that a recently sanctioned five per cent annual increment for eligible contractual employees does not fulfil the government's commitments. They stated that employees are expecting a comprehensive package regarding service conditions rather than routine increments.
The association leadership said that while they do not seek confrontation, they will be forced to protest again if their legitimate demands are ignored. They urged the Chief Minister and Minister Sakina Itoo to ensure the time-bound implementation of the September 18 commitments.