NHM employees call for protest on March 16

Srinagar, Mar 13: The Joint Coordination Committee (UT Level) of the Jammu & Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) has issued a strong warning to the government over the continued delay in the release of pending salaries of NHM employees across Jammu and Kashmir.

In a press release, the association announced that if the salaries are not released immediately, NHM employees will stage a mass protest demonstration at Sher-i-Kashmir Park Srinagar on Monday, 16 March, demanding the immediate release of their pending wages.The Joint Coordination Committee stated that the non-payment of salaries for months has pushed employees and their families into severe financial distress, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, when Eid-ul-Fitr is approaching.

Divisional President Kashmir, Muneer Andrabi, said: “NHM employees have always served the health sector with dedication and commitment, yet they are being deprived of their rightful salaries. The holy month of Ramadhan is going on and Eid is approaching, but employees are without salaries. If the government fails to release the pending wages immediately, NHM employees will be compelled to intensify their protest.”

Divisional President Jammu, Dr Vikas Sharma, said The patience of NHM employees has reached its limit. Despite repeated assurances from the authorities, salaries remain unpaid. The government must take urgent steps to release the dues and prevent the situation from escalating.”

Senior Vice President Kashmir, Altaf Bhat, said: “It is extremely unfortunate that employees who form the backbone of healthcare services are facing such uncertainty. Many workers are struggling to meet their household expenses during this sacred month of Ramadan.”

President RNTCP Employees Association, Musadiq Rafiq, also expressed concern and said:“NHM employees have always stood at the forefront in delivering healthcare services across the Union Territory. However, the continued delay in salary payments is unacceptable and deeply demoralizing for the workforce.”

Chief Spokesperson Kashmir Division, Abdul Rauoof, issued a strong warning to the authorities and said:“Salary is not charity — it is our legitimate and constitutional right. If the government fails to clear the pending salaries immediately, NHM employees will stage a massive protest at Sher-i-Kashmir Park Srinagar on Monday. Employees cannot celebrate Eid without salaries. If the authorities fail to act now, the agitation will intensify and the responsibility for any disruption in health services will lie entirely with the concerned authorities.”He further appealed to all NHM employees across the Kashmir division to assemble in large numbers at Sher-i-Kashmir Park Srinagar on Monday, and participate in the peaceful protest demonstration to raise their voice for their basic and rightful demand of timely salary.The Joint Coordination Committee of JKNHMEA (UT Level) reiterated that employees still hope the government will take immediate action and release the pending salaries so that employees can observe Eid-ul-Fitr with dignity and peace.