Srinagar Mar 24 (KNO): Employees of the Health Department, particularly Female Multi-Purpose Health Workers (FMPHWs), staged a peaceful protest at the Emergency Hospital Qazigund in south Kashmir on Tuesday.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), protesters expressed strong resentment against the deduction of two-and-a-half days’ salary and demanded immediate intervention from the authorities.
A large number of employees from various areas assembled at the hospital, raising slogans in support of their demands and expressing deep concern over what they termed as an “unjustified” deduction. The protesting staff said the move has not only affected their morale but has also placed an additional financial burden on their families.
The employees highlighted that they have been consistently performing their duties with dedication, especially at the grassroots level where they serve as the backbone of the healthcare system.
They said their work often extends beyond regular hours, including duties on Sundays and gazetted holidays, making the salary deduction all the more unreasonable.
“We are working tirelessly in the field, ensuring that healthcare services reach even the most remote areas. Despite our commitment, such deductions are discouraging and unfair,” one of the protesting employees said.
Another worker pointed out that many field staff operate under challenging conditions, travelling long distances and working without adequate facilities. “Cutting two-and-a-half days’ salary without proper justification is unacceptable. It is directly impacting our livelihoods,” she said.
The employees urged the authorities to expedite the process and finalize the panel’s recommendations at the earliest. “If we are required to work on holidays and Sundays as part of essential services, we deserve fair compensation. The delay in finalising the panel is adding to our frustration,” another protester said.
It is pertinent to mention here that on March 12, the Jammu and Kashmir government constituted a committee to assess the functional necessity of engaging non-gazetted staff during holidays in hospitals and health institutions, and to recommend appropriate compensation mechanisms.
The protesting employees appealed to the government to take their concerns seriously and ensure justice by restoring the deducted wages and implementing a fair policy regarding holiday duties.
They warned that failure to address their grievances may compel them to intensify their agitation in the coming days, even as they expressed hope for an early and positive resolution—(KNO)