Protests continued for 2nd day across Kashmir; employees’ issue two-month ultimatum
Employees demand job policy, pay parity, social security benefits
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: After 48 hours, National Health Mission (NHM) employees association, Thursday, called off its 48-hour strike across Jammu and Kashmir as Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, assured a time-bound resolution of long-pending demands.
However, protests were reported from several parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar city. The development came after a detailed meeting between the health minister and representatives of the NHM Employees Association at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu.
During the meeting, the delegation led by Provincial President Jammu Dr. Vikas Sharma, Provincial President Kashmir Muneer Ahmad Andrabi, and other leaders raised key issues, including lack of job security, delay in salary disbursement, absence of a comprehensive job policy, limited career progression, and denial of social security benefits such as EPF and retirement cover. They also demanded implementation of the principle of “equal work, equal pay.”
During the interaction, the delegation apprised the Minister of various challenges faced by NHM employees, including service security, timely disbursement of salaries, career progression, and strengthening of workplace support systems.
The representatives emphasized the crucial role played by NHM staff in delivering healthcare services, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Listening patiently to the concerns raised, the Minister acknowledged the significant contribution of NHM employees in strengthening grassroots healthcare delivery and improving public health outcomes.
She appreciated their dedication and commitment, especially during challenging times when healthcare workers remained at the forefront of service.
Itoo assured the delegation that the government is committed to addressing genuine and long-pending grievances in a phased and practical manner.
She reiterated that the welfare of healthcare workers remains a priority for the government, adding that constructive engagement between the administration and employee representatives is essential for building a responsive and resilient healthcare system.
Following the assurances, the NHM Employees Association announced withdrawal of the strike, stating that the decision was taken in the larger interest of patient care and public healthcare services.
However, the Association issued a two-month ultimatum to the government, warning that failure to address their demands within the stipulated timeframe would lead to renewed agitation.
As the strike was officially called off, protests by NHM employees were reported from multiple districts across Kashmir, including Pattan, where employees continued their agitation for the second consecutive day.
The protesting employees reiterated their demands for a comprehensive job policy, immediate pay revision, enforcement of “equal work, equal pay,” and extension of social security benefits.
NHM spokesperson Mohammad Shafi Para said employees remain concerned over job insecurity and inadequate wages.
“We have been working for years without any job security. Despite performing the same duties as regular employees, we are paid far less. This injustice must be addressed,” Para said.
He added that NHM employees have played a crucial role in the healthcare system, especially during challenging times, but their issues continue to be ignored.
The protestors urged the government to translate its assurances into concrete action, warning that protests could intensify if their demands are not addressed within a reasonable timeframe.
Earlier on Wednesday, on the first day, NHM employees observed a complete strike across Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting their genuine demands, including formulation of a comprehensive job policy, immediate pay revision, social security benefits, including retirement benefits, extension of EPF benefits to all cadres, implementation of payment parity, loyalty benefits, and other long-pending issues.
The Association further thanked various employee organizations, including J&K Medical Employees Federation, J&K EJAC and All CHOs Association J&K for extending their valuable support and solidarity during the strike.
