JAMMU, Sep 18: The ongoing agitation by National Health Mission (NHM) employees across Jammu and Kashmir entered its ninth day on Thursday, with the employees reiterating their demand for a concrete and time-bound resolution of their long-pending service-related issues.
The Joint Coordination Committee of NHM Employees has extended the ongoing peaceful strike by another 72 hours from September 18, citing the continued pendency of their demands and the absence of a clearly defined mechanism and timeline for addressing their concerns.
The employees are seeking a comprehensive service and employment policy, regularisation, job security, equal pay for equal work, revision of remuneration, timely release of salaries, retirement benefits and social-security measures, including EPF, ESI and insurance coverage.
The protesting employees said they have continued to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir for years, including in remote and difficult areas and during challenging public-health situations. They maintained that despite their prolonged service, uncertainty over employment conditions and future security continues to affect thousands of employees and their families.
The employees emphasised that their demands are not limited to salary-related issues but also concern dignity, job security, fair service conditions and social protection. They said a comprehensive policy would provide greater clarity and stability to the workforce.
Employees Seek Concrete Roadmap
The NHM employees reiterated that they remain open to dialogue with the Government but want meaningful discussions to be followed by written and time-bound action. They said repeated assurances without a clearly communicated mechanism for implementation have not resolved their long-pending concerns.
The employees appealed to the Government to urgently engage with authorised representatives of the NHM workforce and address the issues through a structured process. They maintained that a clear roadmap with defined timelines would help build confidence among employees and facilitate a resolution.
The association stated that the agitation would remain peaceful, democratic and disciplined, while reiterating its willingness to participate in constructive dialogue with the authorities.
The NHM employees appealed to the Government to acknowledge the concerns of the workforce and initiate a high-level, time-bound dialogue to work towards a mutually acceptable resolution at the earliest.
The employees also stated that they remain conscious of the importance of healthcare services and public welfare and expressed hope that the Government would take concrete steps to address their long-pending demands.