Srinagar, Apr 01 (KNO): Employees engaged under the National Health Mission (NHM) across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday launched a 48-hour sit-in protest, intensifying their long-pending demand for regularisation of services, salary enhancement, and comprehensive social security measures.
The protest, organised under the banner of the Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association, witnessed participation from NHM staff in multiple districts, with a prominent gathering held at Srinagar’s Press Enclave.
Demonstrators raised slogans and held placards highlighting their grievances, urging the administration to take immediate and concrete steps.
The agitating employees expressed deep disappointment over what they described as “unfulfilled promises” by the government, saying that repeated assurances over the years have not translated into any tangible policy decisions.
“We were left with no option but to protest. Our issues have been pending for years despite continuous representations,” Abdul Rouf, Chief Spokesperson of the association, said, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). “We had announced this protest over a week ago and initially sought permission to assemble at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, but that was denied. Even then, we chose to go ahead peacefully to make our voices heard.”
Rouf said that NHM workers form the backbone of the healthcare delivery system, particularly in rural and remote areas, yet continue to work under precarious conditions. “If the government is serious about strengthening the health sector, it must first address the concerns of its workforce, including doctors, paramedics, and field staff working under NHM,” he added.
The employees are demanding a structured salary revision on the lines of Himachal Pradesh, along with the formulation of a clear job policy. They have also called for the introduction of a retirement policy, including a “golden handshake” scheme for those who have already completed their service tenure.
“Our primary demand remains the regularisation of services. However, if that takes time, the government must at least ensure ‘equal pay for equal work’ and revise our wages immediately,” the spokesperson said. “Many of our employees are working in far-off and difficult areas, yet they are being paid meagre salaries that are not even sufficient to meet basic needs.”
Several protesting employees shared similar concerns, pointing out that the absence of job security and social benefits such as pensions and insurance has left them vulnerable. “We have dedicated years of service, often in challenging conditions, especially during health emergencies. Still, we are treated as temporary workers with no future security,” said one employee.
The protesters warned that if their demands are not addressed promptly, they may be compelled to escalate their agitation in the coming days.
The NHM workforce plays a critical role in implementing healthcare programmes across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in underserved regions. The ongoing protest has once again brought attention to the challenges faced by contractual health workers and the need for policy intervention to ensure their welfare and stability—(KNO)