Jammu, December 13 – A delegation from the All Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (AJKNHMEA) met Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary at the Secretariat in Jammu to raise critical issues affecting employees under the National Health Mission (NHM). The meeting focused on grievances including job security, salary disparities, and social security benefits, with the Deputy CM assuring swift action, particularly on the issue of timely salary disbursement.
During the meeting, the Deputy CM expressed his commitment to resolving the delays in salary payments and assured the delegation that he would take up the matter with higher authorities to ensure immediate redressal. The AJKNHMEA delegation, led by President Rohit Seth, also submitted a detailed memorandum outlining their demands, which included calls for regularization of employees, pay revisions, and service byelaws.
The memorandum underscored the need for regularizing NHM employees, a process that has seen little progress despite government orders and recommendations dating back to 2017. The delegation proposed rationalizing NHM staff by filling vacant positions in health institutions across the Union Territory, which would not only address workforce shortages but also alleviate funding constraints under the central government’s budgetary provisions.
Another major demand was a 100% salary hike for the fiscal year 2024-25, with the association pointing out that no pay revisions have been implemented since 2009. The employees also called for the immediate formulation of service byelaws, a proposal that has been pending since discussions began in 2022.
Additional demands included leave benefits similar to those in Odisha and Tripura, as well as financial assistance for retired NHM employees. The association proposed extending contributory welfare fund benefits under a 2022 mission director’s order to ensure financial security for retiring staff.
The delegation further advocated for a 50% job reservation for NHM employees in direct recruitment through the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) and Public Service Commission (JKPSC), recognizing their experience and dedication. They also raised concerns over employees posted in remote, snowbound, and border areas, urging the government to introduce a one-time transfer policy to alleviate the financial and logistical challenges faced by these workers.
The delegation included key representatives of AJKNHMEA from across the region, such as Rajesh Kumar (District President Samba), Sahil Sharma (District President Reasi), Koshal Kumar Sharma (Block President Reasi), Deepak Kumar (Vice President Reasi), and other association members. The AJKNHMEA expressed optimism following the meeting, emphasizing that they trust the Deputy CM’s assurance to prioritize their concerns and work towards long-term solutions.
