13/03/2026
*NHM Employees Announce Pen-Down Strike from Monday if Salaries Not Released*
Jammu/Srinagar, March 13:-
The Joint Coordination Committee (UT Level) of Jammu & Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) has issued a strong warning to the government over the continued delay in the release of pending salaries of NHM employees across Jammu and Kashmir.
The association has announced that if the salaries are not released immediately, NHM employees will begin a pen-down strike from Monday. As part of the protest, employees of the Kashmir division will stage a demonstration at Sher-i-Kashmir Park and similarly in Jammu Division also.
The Joint Coordination Committee stated that the non-payment of salaries for months has pushed employees and their families into severe financial distress, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan when Eid al-Fitr is approaching.
Divisional President Kashmir, Muneer Andrabi, said: “NHM employees have always served the health sector with utmost dedication, yet they are being denied their basic right — their salaries. The holy month of Ramadan is going on and Eid is approaching, but employees are still without their wages. If the government fails to release the pending salaries immediately, NHM employees will have no option but to start a pen-down strike from Monday.”
Divisional President Jammu, Dr. Vikas Sharma, said: “The patience of NHM employees has been tested enough. Despite repeated assurances from the authorities, salaries are still pending. The government must act immediately and release the dues before the situation escalates.”
Senior Vice President Kashmir, Altaf Bhat, said: “It is unfortunate that employees who form the backbone of healthcare services are facing such financial uncertainty. During this sacred month of Ramadan, employees are struggling to meet their basic household needs.”
President RNTCP Employees Association, Musadiq Rafiq, also expressed concern and said:
“NHM employees have always stood at the forefront of public health services across Jammu and Kashmir.
However, the continued delay in salaries is unacceptable and has deeply affected the morale of the workforce.”
Meanwhile, Chief Spokesperson Kashmir Division Abdul Rauoof issued a strong warning to the authorities, stating:
“Salary is not a favour — it is our legitimate right. If the government fails to clear the pending salaries immediately, NHM employees will begin a pen-down strike from Monday and stage protests at Sher-i-Kashmir Park Srinagar. The government must understand that employees cannot celebrate Eid without salaries. If the issue is not resolved, the agitation will intensify and the responsibility for any disruption in health services will lie entirely with the concerned authorities.”
The Joint Coordination Committee of JKNHMEA (UT Level) once again appealed to the government to intervene immediately and release the pending salaries so that employees can observe the holy festival of Eid with dignity.
Issued by:
Joint Coordination Committee (UT Level)
Jammu & Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) Jammu & Kashmir.
