Srinagar, Sep 18: The UT-Level Joint Coordination Committee of National Health Mission (NHM) Employees of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday called off its UT-level strike following assurances from the government regarding the resolution of their long-pending demands.
The strike, which began on September 5, was called off after the government assured the employees that their demands would be examined through a committee constituted for the purpose.
More than 12,000 NHM employees across J&K had been protesting over a range of long-pending demands, including a comprehensive job policy, salary revision and social-security benefits.
Addressing a press conference here, the J&K National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) announced the decision to withdraw the strike following a meeting with the government and written assurances from the Health Department.
JKNHMEA Chief Spokesperson Abdul Rauf said the government had held discussions with representatives of the employees and assured them that their demands would be examined and a report submitted to the government.
He thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health Minister Sakeena Itoo for providing written assurances and initiating the process to examine the employees’ demands.
“We are giving the government one month to address our demands and appreciate the assurances given to us,” Rauf said.
The committee had earlier issued a final ultimatum to the government and concerned authorities up to September 5, seeking resolution of the long-pending issues faced by NHM employees.
However, following the expiry of the stipulated deadline without any concrete response or tangible action, the committee had decided to intensify its agitation.
The committee had said the strike was taken as a last resort after repeated efforts through dialogue, representations and meetings failed to secure a concrete resolution to the employees’ demands.
With the latest assurances and the constitution of a committee to examine the issues, the employees have decided to call off the strike and give the government one month to act on the commitments made to them.
