NHM Medical Staff in Jammu's Bhalessa District Initiate 72-Hour Strike Over Salary Issues
In a significant development, medical staff employed under the National Health Mission (NHM) in Bhalessa district, Jammu, have commenced a 72-hour strike. The protest action is a direct response to allegations that the state government has deducted 2.5 days' worth of salary from their monthly paychecks. The striking workers have gathered outside the sub-district Hospital in Gandoh, voicing their demands for the immediate release of the withheld wages and calling for salary parity with regular government employees.
Core Demands and Grievances of the Protesting Staff
The medical staff have articulated clear grievances, centering on financial fairness and employment status. One protestor emphasized, "Our regular staff's salary for 2.5 days should be released. Why are we from NHM not getting equal salary? I request the state government to increase our salary or make us regular." This statement underscores a long-standing issue of contractual workers seeking equivalent compensation and job security compared to their permanently employed counterparts.
Another protestor provided specific context, stating, "This protest is for the salary of 2.5 days. We used to get the salary for 2.5 days because we did our duty on Sundays, gazetted holidays and nights. This government has deducted our salary." The workers assert that these deductions have directly impacted their earnings, particularly for duties performed during unsocial hours and on public holidays, which were previously compensated.
Organizational Backing and Strike Notice
The strike has been formally organized following a notice issued by the Medical Employees Federation of Jammu and Kashmir. The federation's directive mobilized the NHM staff to undertake this 72-hour work stoppage, highlighting institutional support for their cause. The protestors confirm that this action is a culmination of ongoing disputes over wage policies and employment conditions within the healthcare sector.
The striking workers reiterate that their previous compensation included payments for Sunday duties, public holidays, and night shifts, but recent administrative decisions have led to unexpected salary deductions. This has fueled discontent and prompted collective action to seek redress from state authorities.
Implications for Healthcare Services
The 72-hour strike raises concerns about potential disruptions to healthcare services in the Bhalessa district during the protest period. With medical staff staging demonstrations outside the Gandoh hospital, there may be impacts on patient care and hospital operations. The situation draws attention to broader issues of workforce management and fair labor practices in India's public health system, especially for contractual workers under schemes like the NHM.
As the protest continues, all eyes are on the state government's response to the demands for salary release and parity. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar grievances are addressed for healthcare workers across Jammu and Kashmir and other regions.
