Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir – Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of Opposition (LOP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, visited Ramban district on Monday to express solidarity with striking National Health Mission (NHM) employees and daily wage workers. Sharma assured the protestors that their long-standing demands would be presented on the floor of the Legislative Assembly.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the visit occurred as the indefinite strike by NHM employees entered its sixth day, significantly impacting healthcare services across various hospitals, primary health centres, and community health units where NHM-deployed doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff are essential.
The ongoing industrial action has led to disruptions in routine healthcare, including outpatient care and other critical medical activities. These disruptions are particularly felt in rural and remote areas that rely heavily on the services provided by NHM personnel.
Addressing the media during his visit, Sharma articulated that the BJP’s political outreach programme aims to highlight the grievances of ordinary citizens and workers, irrespective of their political leanings, religious beliefs, or caste. He stated that the common populace often faces immense difficulties in bringing their legitimate concerns to the attention of the authorities, and the BJP has committed to acting as their advocate.
Sharma assured the striking NHM employees that the party would vigorously pursue their demands, which include service regularisation, job security, and a revision of wages. He committed to raising these issues during proceedings in the Legislative Assembly. Furthermore, he indicated that matters falling under the purview of the Central Government would be escalated to the relevant authorities for resolution.
The protesting NHM employees have been persistently seeking the regularisation of their services, pay parity with permanent health staff, enhanced job security, and the timely disbursement of pending stipends and other financial dues. Their strike underscores a persistent issue of contractual and ad-hoc employment within the health sector.
The BJP leader also voiced criticism against the administration, alleging a failure to adequately address the concerns of daily wagers and contractual employees. Sharma accused the administration of overlooking the difficulties faced by these workers, many of whom have been awaiting the resolution of their demands for an extended period. The strike serves as a critical reminder of the challenges faced by a significant segment of the workforce in the region.
The Chenab Times News Desk