Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – The Jammu and Kashmir administration has sanctioned the purchase of 90 new Mahindra Scorpio vehicles for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), at an estimated cost of ₹14.85 crore. This decision comes at a time when National Health Mission (NHM) staff and interns across the Union Territory are protesting against low pay and demanding better service conditions.
Government Approves Purchase of New Fleet for Legislators
An official order issued by the Transport Department of Jammu and Kashmir has allocated the funds for the procurement of these SUVs. The vehicles are to be acquired through the Government e-Marketplace (GEM) portal, adhering to General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017, including necessary e-tendering and procedural formalities. The Director, Motor Garages, J&K, has been tasked with overseeing the procurement process, ensuring that funds are utilized solely for this purpose and that all transactions are secured and guaranteed, with utilization certificates to be submitted by March 31, 2025. This move has drawn criticism from various quarters, with some questioning the timing and necessity of such an expenditure while essential healthcare workers remain underpaid.
NHM Staff Continue Agitation for Fair Wages and Benefits
Meanwhile, National Health Mission employees across Jammu and Kashmir have been on strike, demanding a revision of their salaries, job security, retirement benefits, and social security measures. Protests have been held across district and block headquarters, with employees from various categories, including doctors, paramedical staff, and management personnel, participating. The NHM employees argue that they perform duties similar to regular government employees but receive significantly lower remuneration, often with uncertainty over their employment and future prospects. The strike has led to the disruption of routine and emergency healthcare services, particularly in rural and remote areas, where NHM staff form a substantial part of the workforce.
Political Support for Protesting NHM Employees
Several political figures have voiced support for the protesting NHM employees, urging the government to intervene and address their long-standing grievances. MLA Budgam, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, has publicly backed the NHM staff, emphasizing the genuine nature of their demands and calling for a time-bound mechanism to resolve the issues. He highlighted the crucial role NHM employees play in extending healthcare services, especially in underserved areas, and expressed concern over the lack of concrete action despite previous government assurances. Similar sentiments have been echoed by other political leaders who have called for a resolution that prioritizes the welfare of healthcare workers and ensures the continuity of essential services.
Broader Context of Worker Discontent
The protests by NHM staff are part of a wider wave of agitations by various groups in Jammu and Kashmir, including interns and veterinary staff, who are seeking better stipends and service conditions. This recurring unrest among healthcare professionals underscores a broader discontent regarding remuneration, job security, and professional recognition within the Union Territory’s public health system. The demands for salary revisions, regularization, and parity with counterparts in other regions have become a persistent issue, highlighting the challenges faced by those on the front lines of healthcare delivery.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
