Jammu, February 10 (Scoop News)- National Health Mission (NHM) employees in Jammu are facing financial distress due to a two-month delay in salary payments, a situation they say has persisted for nearly two years. The issue was highlighted in a press conference held in Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, by the All J&K NHM Employees Association, led by its president, Rohit Seth. The press conference was attended by Dr. Nazir Hussain Dist president kistwar , Rajinder sharma Advisor Nhm Assocition , Sachin Gupta, Vikas Kumar , and several other NHM employees, who collectively voiced their concerns over the prolonged salary delays and other pressing issues affecting the workforce.
Speaking at the event, Seth urged the administration to address the problem, emphasizing that employees are struggling with essential expenses such as school fees, loan repayments, and daily household needs.
“The delay in salaries has become a recurring issue, leaving employees financially strained. We urge the authorities to ensure timely payments, as seen in other states,” Seth said.
The association called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Chief Secretary, Health Commissioner, Finance Secretary, and MD NRHM to intervene and resolve the issue. They stressed that while NHM employees in other states receive their salaries on time, Jammu and Kashmir workers have been facing delays for nearly two years.
Several employees shared their concerns, stating that irregular salary payments are making it difficult to manage financial obligations. “My child’s school fees are due, and I have no way to pay without my salary. The situation is becoming unbearable,” said one affected employee. Another worker noted that overdue loan repayments are leading to penalties, further exacerbating financial stress.
Beyond salary delays, the NHM Employees Association also raised several other long-standing issues that remain unresolved. They reiterated the demand for regularization of NHM employees, a process that has seen little progress despite government recommendations dating back to 2017. They also called for a 100% salary hike for the upcoming fiscal year, pointing out that there has been no pay revision since 2009. Additionally, they pressed for the immediate formulation of service byelaws, a proposal that has been under discussion since 2022 but has yet to materialize.
The employees further appealed for leave benefits similar to those granted in Odisha and Tripura, along with financial assistance for retired NHM workers. They urged the government to extend contributory welfare fund benefits under a 2022 mission director’s order to ensure financial security for retiring staff. Another key concern was the need 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.
The association also highlighted the challenges faced by employees posted in remote, snowbound, and border areas. They proposed a one-time transfer policy to alleviate the financial and logistical burdens associated with such postings. Furthermore, they stressed the need to rationalize NHM staff by filling vacant positions in health institutions across the Union Territory, a move they believe would not only address workforce shortages but also ease funding constraints under central government budgetary provisions.
The association emphasized that without immediate action, the situation could worsen, affecting both employees and healthcare services in the region.
“We are dedicated to serving the people, but we also need financial stability. The government must address this issue urgently,” Seth said.
NHM employees urged the authorities to streamline salary disbursement and ensure regular payments to prevent further hardships, failing which they shall have no option other than to convene state level meeting of JK NHM Employees Association and take hard steps, the entire responsibility of which shall rest on the shoulders of the authorities and the Govt.
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