SRINAGAR, Mar 16: Employees working under the Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission (NHM) have expressed deep distress over the non-payment of their salaries for the past two and a half months. The delay has severely impacted their financial stability, leaving many struggling to meet basic needs, especially with the upcoming holy occasions of Shab-i-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr.
Muneer Andrabi, President of the NHM Employees Association (NHMEA), voiced the growing frustration among employees, emphasizing the emotional and mental toll caused by the prolonged salary delays. “We have been tirelessly serving our duties, yet we have not received our salaries for over two and a half months. This has created immense hardships, forcing employees into financial distress as they struggle to provide for their families,” Andrabi stated.
The aggrieved employees pointed out that despite the Government of India releasing funds for salary payments, NHM employees in Jammu and Kashmir have not yet received their dues. The delay, they argued, is unjustified and has pushed many workers to the brink of despair.
With financial constraints worsening, the NHM employees have warned that they may be left with no option but to stage protests if their grievances continue to be ignored. “We do not want to take to the streets, but if our voices remain unheard, we will be compelled to do so,” Andrabi warned.
The NHMEA has urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and the Health and Medical Education Minister to intervene immediately and facilitate the disbursement of salaries without further delay. Andrabi called on the authorities to take swift action, ensuring that the employees receive their long-overdue wages and are able to celebrate the upcoming festivals with dignity.