JAMMU, September 14, 2026 – Despite warnings of action from Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, National Health Mission (NHM) employees across Jammu and Kashmir continued their strike for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday. Demonstrations and peaceful protests were held at various hospitals, health centres, and health institutions, as the striking staff pressed the government to resolve their long-pending demands. At several health facilities, employees expressed their resentment by wearing black ribbons while participating in the agitation.
The president of the NHM Employees Association Jammu, Rohit Seth, accompanied by other association members, visited Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar and Sarwal Hospital to support the protesting staff. Addressing the gatherings, Seth stated that the employees were forced into taking the protest route due to the government’s persistent delay in addressing their legitimate concerns. Their primary demands include the timely release of salaries, implementation of 7th Pay Commission benefits, the issuance of the long-pending Loyalty Bonus order, and compensation for duties performed on Sundays and gazetted holidays. Seth added that if the government had addressed their issues, there would be no reason for the employees to sit on protest, noting that staff had continued discharging their duties despite the uncertainty surrounding their future.
Furthermore, regularization remains the core demand of the association, alongside a plea for “Equal Pay for Equal Work” until a comprehensive job policy is implemented, citing similar benefits already available to NHM employees in Delhi and Haryana. Other key issues raised include job security, a retirement and social security policy, and relief for employees serving in difficult, hard-to-reach areas. The association emphasized that they do not seek a confrontation with the government but rather a concrete, time-bound solution in the form of written orders instead of mere verbal assurances.
Published by True Roots Media Network