J&K High Court Bar Assn demands fair deal to protesting NHM employees

Jammu, 17 September 2026: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association (Regd.), Jammu has submitted representations to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and the Hon’ble Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, seeking immediate and time-bound intervention in the long-pending demands of National Health Mission (NHM) employees.

The Association has drawn attention to the fact that thousands of NHM employees, including Doctors, Paramedics, Mid-Level Health Providers, Management and Administrative Staff and other categories, have rendered 18–20 years of continuous service to the people of Jammu & Kashmir and have become an important part of the public healthcare system.

The Association expressed concern over the continued uncertainty faced by these long-serving employees regarding remuneration, regularization, job security and retirement/social-security benefits.

Referring to the developments of April 2026, the Association stated that NHM employees had undertaken a two-day strike over their long-pending demands and that assurances were given regarding consideration of their low remuneration and other genuine issues. The Association has urged the Government to now translate such assurances into concrete and time-bound action.

The Association has particularly requested consideration of:

• Enhancement of NHM remuneration, including the demand for 100% increase;
• A clear and time-bound regularization policy for eligible long-serving employees;
• Job and service security;
• Consideration of a ₹30 lakh Golden Handshake/retirement benefit, subject to an appropriate policy framework;
• Social-security and retirement benefits; and
• Review of earlier assurances, committee recommendations and departmental proposals concerning NHM employees.

The Association has also highlighted that approximately 12,000 NHM employees are contributing to healthcare delivery across Jammu & Kashmir and has urged that their nearly two decades of service and experience be duly considered while framing any future policy.

President Nirmal K. Kotwal, Senior Advocate, and General Secretary Pardeep Majotra of the Association have appealed to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and the Hon’ble Chief Minister to convene a high-level meeting with representatives of NHM employees and the concerned departments and formulate a definite, transparent and time-bound action plan.

The Association emphasized that the issue is not merely about remuneration but also concerns the dignity, security and welfare of employees who have devoted the best years of their professional lives to public healthcare.