32,000 NHM contractual staff in MP threaten statewide strike:To boycott work from June 2; CM residence gherao on June 8

Around 32,000 contractual employees working under the National Health Mission (NHM) in Madhya Pradesh have announced an intensified agitation over their long-pending demands. Declaring an all-out protest, the employees said that if no concrete decision is taken on their demands in time, they will launch an indefinite strike from June 2. The employees said they have been playing a crucial role in running healthcare services for years, but their issues continue to be ignored. They alleged that although the government had earlier agreed to their demands, no concrete steps have been taken even after one year. This has led to growing resentment and anger among the employees. 8 major demands including regularization put forward Among their key demands, the contractual employees have sought regularisation of jobs, benefits of the National Pension Scheme (NPS) and health insurance, 10 percent annual salary increment, dearness allowance, resolution of pay anomalies, leave and facilities at par with regular employees, and equal pay for equal work. The employees said all these demands have been pending for a long time. Phased agitation to begin from May 25 From May 25 to 27, employees will wear black bands to register their protest. This will be followed by submission of memorandums to Collectors, CMHOs and BMOs on May 28 and 29. From May 30 to June 1, they will meet MPs, MLAs and ministers to apprise them of their issues. Work to stop from June 2, gherao on June 8 If the demands are still not resolved, all employees will go on an indefinite strike from June 2 by completely boycotting both online and offline work. In the final phase of the agitation, employees will reach Bhopal on June 8 and stage a gherao of the Chief Minister’s residence. Health Services May Be Affected The employees warned that healthcare services could be severely affected if the strike takes place, and held the government and administration responsible for any disruption. They appealed to the government to resolve their demands in time to avoid inconvenience to the general public. Key Demands of NHM Contract Employees