NHM employees reiterate demand for regularisation policy, seek end to job insecurity in J&K
J&K NHM workforce appeals to CM Omar Abdullah for secure future and job stability
- After 18 years of service, NHM staff in J&K still await regularisation policy
JAMMU, Jan 18: The Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) has once again pressed for the immediate formulation of a comprehensive regularisation policy for employees working under the National Health Mission in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement issued today, the Association highlighted the prolonged uncertainty faced by NHM employees, stating that thousands of workers have been rendering uninterrupted services for nearly 18 years under demanding and often challenging conditions. Despite their sustained contribution to the public healthcare system, they continue to work without job security, service benefits, or social security safeguards.
The Association underlined that NHM employees form the backbone of the healthcare delivery mechanism, particularly at the grassroots level, playing a crucial role in implementing health programmes, managing primary healthcare services, and supporting emergency and outreach initiatives across urban and remote areas alike. However, their long-pending demands for regularisation and service protection have remained unresolved.
Abdul Rauoof, Chief Spokesperson of JKNHMEA, appealed to all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to take up the issue during the forthcoming Assembly session scheduled to begin on February 2, 2026. He urged lawmakers to collectively raise the concerns of NHM employees and push for a policy decision that ensures dignity, stability, and security for the workforce.
“NHM employees have devoted almost two decades of their lives to strengthening the healthcare system of Jammu and Kashmir, yet they continue to live under constant uncertainty due to the absence of a regularisation policy and assured job security,” Rauoof said.
He further stated that the Association represents more than 12,000 NHM employees working across various districts of the Union Territory, many of whom have been serving continuously since the inception of the programme.
The Association also made a direct appeal to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, urging him to personally intervene and take a compassionate and decisive stand on the issue. Emphasising the human aspect of the matter, Rauoof said a clear policy framework would go a long way in securing the future of thousands of families dependent on NHM employment.
“We earnestly request the Chief Minister to intervene and ensure a secure and dignified future for over 12,000 NHM employees who have served the people of Jammu and Kashmir with dedication and commitment for years,” he added.
