National Health Mission (NHM) employees across the Jammu Division on Wednesday launched a 72-hour strike-cum-protest, raising a series of long-standing demands related to job security, retirement benefits and social protection.
The protest is being held under the banner of the UT Level Coordination Committee of NHM Employees J&K, with employees participating in demonstrations at district and block headquarters across the Jammu Division.
The protests were held under the leadership of JKNHMEA Jammu Provincial President Dr. Vikas Sharma and NTEP Jammu Division President Dr. S. S. Sambyal. Employees used the first day of the strike to highlight what they described as concerns over the absence of a comprehensive and secure employment framework for NHM workers.
Among their key demands is the formulation of a comprehensive job policy that would provide greater stability and clarity regarding their future service conditions. The employees are also seeking retirement and social security benefits, arguing that such protections are important for workers who have spent years serving within the public health system.
The protesting employees have further demanded Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) coverage, along with provisions for a golden handshake and loyalty benefits.
The 72-hour programme is expected to continue over the coming days as employees press the administration to consider their demands. The protests across various locations in the Jammu Division reflect the employees’ efforts to seek a structured policy addressing their employment and financial security.
NHM personnel play an important role in supporting healthcare delivery, particularly through programmes focused on public health and disease control. The ongoing protest has therefore brought renewed attention to the service-related concerns of employees working under the National Health Mission in Jammu and Kashmir.
