Srinagar, September 9: National Health Mission (NHM) employees across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday began a 72-hour strike, pressing the government to revise their pay structure and address long-pending demands related to job and social security.
NHM employees staged protests at district and block levels, seeking pay parity with NHM workers in other states, besides a secure job policy and implementation of social security measures including Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), insurance cover and post-retirement benefits.
The protesters said they had repeatedly approached the government and concerned authorities over their demands but alleged that assurances had failed to result in any concrete action.
“We have been at the forefront of healthcare delivery, particularly during emergencies, but continue to face uncertainty over wages and job security,” said Rouf Ahmad, a protesting employee.
The employees said their demands went beyond a salary hike, arguing that thousands of workers associated with the healthcare system also needed long-term employment and financial security.
The Joint Coordination Committee of NHM employees announced the 72-hour strike following its September 5 meeting, after claiming that the government had failed to provide a concrete and satisfactory response within the ultimatum period.
