Aijaz Rather
Srinagar, Mar 13: (JKNN) The National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) has announced a Union Territory–wide pen-down strike from Monday, March 16, 2026, protesting the continued delay in the release of pending salaries of NHM employees across Jammu and Kashmir.
In a notice issued to the Mission Director of the National Health Mission, the association expressed deep concern that despite earlier communications, the salaries of NHM employees have still not been released. The employees said the delay has pushed many staff members into serious financial hardship and mental distress, particularly as the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr approaches.
The association stated that NHM employees have been serving the public health system with dedication at the grassroots level, playing a vital role in strengthening healthcare services across the region. However, the persistent delay in salary disbursement has caused immense hardship to thousands of employees and their families.
According to the notice, the Joint Coordination Committee under the banner of the Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association has decided to launch a pen-down strike across Jammu and Kashmir from March 16 to press for their demands.
In addition to the strike, the association has also announced a massive protest demonstration at Sher-i-Kashmir Park in Srinagar. Peaceful protests will also be held at Block Headquarters and District Headquarters across the Union Territory to highlight the genuine grievances of NHM employees.
The employees’ body has appealed to the concerned authorities to immediately release the pending salaries and put in place a proper mechanism for timely disbursement in the future. The association warned that failure to address the issue may force employees to intensify their democratic protest.
Due to this strike, healthcare services in rural areas are likely to be affected the most, as a large number of National Health Mission (NHM) employees are posted at the grassroots level in villages and remote areas, where they play a crucial role in providing essential medical services.
The notice has been signed by association leaders including Dr. Vikas (President JKNHMEA Jammu), Musadiq Rafiq Parra (President JKRNTEA JKUT), and Muneer Andrabi (President JKNHMEA Kashmir), along with Joint Coordination Committee Chief Spokespersons Dr. Hamid Parray and Abdul Raoouf.
(JKNEWS NATION)
