Bandipora, Nov 4, KNT: Employees working under the National Health Mission (NHM) in Block Hajin of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district staged a protest at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Hajin on Monday, demanding the release of their pending salaries for the last four months.
The protesting employees expressed anguish over the delay, saying it had pushed them and their families into financial crisis. Several employees displayed white papers at their workplaces as a symbolic gesture to highlight their plight and draw the government’s attention.
Dr Shahnaz, one of the protesting employees, said despite repeated appeals, their demands had gone unheard. “We are facing serious problems due to non-payment of salaries. In Bandipora, other blocks have received their dues, but Hajin block is still awaiting release. I’m a single mother, and paying my child’s school fees has become impossible,” she said.
She added that around 93 NHM employees in the block were affected and struggling to meet daily expenses. “We have informed higher authorities, including the BMO Hajin, but nothing has been done yet,” she said.
Dr Muzaffar, another protesting doctor, said the employees continued to serve diligently under challenging conditions, ensuring uninterrupted health services, implementing government programmes, and responding to emergencies. “Despite our dedication, we have been left unpaid for months, which has caused immense hardship,” he said, appealing to the Lieutenant Governor and the Mission Director NHM J&K to intervene for immediate salary release and ensure timely disbursement in future.
Another employee said healthcare workers form the backbone of the public health system and that leaving them unpaid was unjust and demoralising. The protesters warned of launching a pen-down strike if their salaries were not released soon.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Bandipora, Dr Ishtiyaq Naik, when contacted, told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the delay was due to technical issues in the treasury system. “I have already informed staff through our official WhatsApp group to continue their duties. The issue will be resolved within two days,” he assured. [KNT]
