J&K NHM Employees Seek Omar Abdullah’s Personal Intervention; Warn of Renewed Agitation Over Unresolved Demands

Srinagar, November 12: Employees working under the National Health Mission (NHM) in Jammu and Kashmir have sought the personal intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for the early resolution of their long-pending service-related demands, warning that they may launch fresh protests if the government fails to translate its earlier assurances into concrete decisions.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEAK), while addressing a press conference in Srinagar on Thursday, expressed strong dissatisfaction over the alleged delay in implementing commitments made during a high-level meeting held on September 18, 2026, under the chairmanship of Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo.

The association said employees had withdrawn their agitation in September following an appeal by the Chief Minister, who had expressed willingness to engage with their representatives through dialogue, provided the strike was called off.

According to the association, the employees respected the Chief Minister’s appeal and suspended their protest in good faith, expecting that their genuine concerns would be addressed through meaningful discussions and subsequent government orders.

However, the leadership said that despite the passage of considerable time, no comprehensive decision has been taken on their major demands, creating disappointment and uncertainty among thousands of NHM workers serving across Jammu and Kashmir.

Job Security, Equal Pay and Social Protection Top Demands

Reiterating its key demands, JKNHMEAK spokesperson Rouf Ahmad called for the formulation of a comprehensive and dignified job policy, equal pay for equal work, substantial salary revision, social security coverage, retirement benefits and resolution of other long-pending service-related issues.

The association maintained that NHM employees have been performing essential healthcare duties across hospitals, health centres and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, yet continue to work under contractual arrangements without the level of service security and financial protection they have been seeking.

It said the demands go beyond routine salary-related issues and require comprehensive policy-level intervention to ensure dignity, stability and recognition for the workforce.

5% Annual Increment Described as Inadequate

The association also clarified that the recently sanctioned five per cent annual increment for eligible contractual NHM employees under the annual budgetary provisions cannot be considered a substitute for the broader commitments made by the government during the September 18 meeting.

It said employees were expecting a comprehensive relief package addressing their prolonged service-related and financial concerns rather than a routine annual increment.

The leadership maintained that the five per cent enhancement does not address the core issues of job security, equal pay, retirement benefits and social protection.

Warns of Fresh Protest if Government Fails to Act

Expressing concern over the delay, the association said NHM employees have already demonstrated considerable patience and restraint, but cannot be expected to wait indefinitely for the fulfilment of commitments.

It urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally intervene, convene a meaningful meeting with the employees’ representatives and ensure that decisions taken in their favour are formally notified through government orders within a reasonable timeframe.

The association further cautioned that continued inaction could compel employees to resume their democratic agitation to press for their legitimate demands.

“We do not want confrontation with the government, but our genuine demands cannot be ignored any longer. The assurances given on September 18 must translate into concrete decisions and official orders,” the association’s leadership said.

Appeal to CM, Health Minister

The association appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo to take immediate cognisance of the matter and initiate time-bound measures for resolving the issues.

Highlighting the contribution of NHM employees to the healthcare system, the leadership said these workers have played an important role in extending medical services to people in both urban centres and far-flung, underserved areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

It maintained that employees who have continued to serve the public under contractual arrangements deserve a transparent service policy, financial stability, social protection and recognition of their contribution.

The association reiterated that it remains open to dialogue with the government but stressed that the commitments made during the September 18 meeting should be honoured without further delay to prevent another round of protests across Jammu and Kashmir.(KNC)