For the third consecutive day, the streets of Jalandhar witnessed a powerful demonstration as hundreds of employees associated with the National Health Mission (NHM) escalated their protest. The gathering, organized under the banner of the NHM Employees Union Punjab, has become a focal point for demanding long-pending rights from the state government.
Core Demands of the Agitating Health Workers
The protestors have presented a clear list of demands, centering on job security and fair compensation. Their primary request is the regularization of their services, moving them from contract-based positions to permanent government employment. Closely linked to this is the demand for equal pay for equal work, arguing that they perform identical duties to their regularly-appointed counterparts but receive significantly lower salaries and benefits.
Union leaders, including President Rohit Seth and General Secretary Dr. Gagan, have been vocal at the protest site. They emphasized that these employees are the backbone of Punjab's public healthcare system, working tirelessly in various roles, yet they are denied the basic stability and remuneration they deserve. The demonstration on this third day was notably large, indicating growing resolve among the participants.
A Peaceful Yet Firm Stand for Rights
The protest has been characterized by its disciplined and peaceful nature. Employees from across the district assembled to make their collective voice heard, showcasing their determination through sustained presence rather than disruption. This prolonged agitation underscores the depth of their frustration after what they describe as years of neglect and unfulfilled promises.
The union's strategy involves maintaining constant pressure on the authorities until a concrete resolution is offered. By extending the demonstration to a third day, they aim to highlight the urgency and seriousness of their situation. The message from the protest ground is clear: the NHM staff will not relent until their fundamental demands for regularization and pay parity are addressed through official government channels.
What Lies Ahead for the NHM Employees?
The ball is now in the government's court. The prolonged protest in Jalandhar is a visible symptom of a wider issue affecting contractual health workers across Punjab. The NHM Employees Union has signaled that this demonstration is just one step in their planned agitation, implying that further actions may follow if their grievances remain unanswered.
This standoff puts a spotlight on the working conditions of those who form the frontline of many key health schemes. The outcome will be closely watched by thousands of similarly placed contractual employees in the state's health and other departments. The union's leadership remains hopeful for a positive dialogue with the state administration to find a permanent and just solution to their legitimate demands.
