NHM employees’ strike in Telangana continues as 17,541 staff demand regularisation, equal pay

The indefinite strike by National Health Mission (NHM) employees in Telangana entered its fourth day on Friday, with employees demanding regularisation of services, implementation of the ‘equal pay for equal work’ principle and better employment benefits.

The employees, who began their strike on October 13, are seeking regularisation of the services of 17,541 NHM staff members working across 78 cadres in the State. They have also demanded health insurance, job security and improved salaries.

NHM State general secretary Rama Rajesh Khanna, speaking at the protest, demanded the immediate implementation of ‘equal pay for equal work’ and the provision of health cards and health insurance for all employees. “Many employees have been working across Telangana for up to 20 years, performing duties on a par with regular government employees, but their services are yet to be regularised,” he added.

The employees said their existing salaries were insufficient to meet their expenses amid rising prices of essential commodities. The protesting employees also demanded 180 days of paid maternity leave for women staff members, along with health insurance and job security for all NHM personnel.

The employees said the strike would continue until the government responds positively to their demands.