SRINAGAR: Employees of the National Health Mission (NHM) across Jammu and Kashmir have extended their ongoing peaceful strike for an additional 72 hours, commencing from September 18, 2026. The decision comes amid the persistent pendency of the employees’ long-standing demands and a perceived lack of concrete action from the competent authorities towards a timely resolution.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the Jammu & Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA), representing the NHM staff, communicated the extension through an official statement. The association stressed that the protest would continue to be conducted in a peaceful, democratic, and constitutional manner, with participants urged to maintain discipline and uphold public order.
The employees are seeking a definitive and time-bound resolution to a list of genuine grievances that have been presented to the government. The association stated its commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, expressing hope that the administration will initiate meaningful steps to address their concerns. This renewed period of industrial action underscores the ongoing discontent among NHM employees regarding their service conditions and demands.
The NHM in Jammu and Kashmir plays a crucial role in the implementation of various national health programs at the grassroots level, providing essential healthcare services to the population. The employees involved in the strike are integral to the functioning of these programs, and their absence from duty can impact the delivery of healthcare, particularly in remote areas. The strike highlights the challenges faced by contractual and contractual-like staff within the public health sector, a recurring issue across various states in India.
The demands of the NHM employees typically include regularization of services, salary enhancements, provision of better working conditions, and assurance of job security. These demands are often rooted in the nature of their employment, which is frequently project-based and lacks the stability and benefits associated with permanent government positions. The association’s repeated appeals for a concrete roadmap for resolution suggest a gap between their expectations and the government’s response, leading to the escalation of their industrial action.
The administration has in the past engaged in negotiations with NHM employee unions to address their concerns. However, the current extension of the strike indicates that the outcomes of previous discussions or assurances have not been sufficient to satisfy the demands of the employees. The situation calls for a concerted effort from the government to engage in serious dialogue and come up with viable solutions that acknowledge the contributions of NHM staff to public health infrastructure.
The Chenab Times News Desk