September 12: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and District President Baramulla Mohd Rafique Rather today joined the striking NHM employees at GMC Baramulla and extended his unequivocal support to their genuine, justified and long-pending demands.
Rather castigated the government for its casual approach towards the NHM employees, saying that continued neglect of their grievances was not only unjust but was also adversely affecting healthcare delivery across the region.
Rather said it was deeply unfortunate that employees who have served the health sector for over 15 years continue to struggle for basic service justice despite performing vital duties and shouldering crucial responsibilities.
“It is not a favour they are seeking; they are demanding justice. After serving the people for more than 15 years, they deserve dignity, fair treatment and security of service,” Rather said.
Recalling his role as a trade unionist and former President of the Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC), Rather said he had repeatedly raised the grievances of NRHM employees with successive governments. Despite repeated assurances, he said, little concrete action had followed.
Questioning the glaring pay disparity, Rather said, “If employees perform similar duties with comparable skills and experience, why should they be subjected to unequal pay? The government cannot preach equality while allowing such discrimination.”
Rather urged the government to stop treating the agitation as merely an administrative issue and immediately initiate meaningful negotiations to resolve the employees’ legitimate demands.
“Fifteen years is not a short period. These employees have given the prime years of their lives to serving the people. Their patience should not be mistaken for weakness. The government must act now and give them justice, not another assurance,” he said.
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