Srinagar: Health workers in Bandipora district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have expressed concern over prolonged delays in salary payments, saying the issue has caused financial hardship for many employees despite their continued services in hospitals and health centres.
According to Beyond Time News, employees working under the National Health Mission (NHM) said salary payments have become increasingly irregular, with wages often delayed for several months without any official explanation.
Workers said the uncertainty surrounding payments has created difficulties for families already struggling with rising living costs.
Employees Report Growing Financial Stress
NHM staff posted at different healthcare institutions in Bandipora said they continue to perform their duties to ensure medical services remain uninterrupted.
However, they complained that salaries are not being released on time.
According to Beyond Time News, one employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, said workers face uncertainty every month regarding their wages despite maintaining healthcare services.
Employees said the repeated delays have placed many families under financial pressure and affected their ability to manage household expenses.
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Workers Reject Claims of Poor Performance
Some staff members said they had been informally told that delays were linked to unsatisfactory work.
However, employees rejected such claims and maintained that they have continued to fulfill their responsibilities.
According to Beyond Time News, workers said they had not received any formal communication explaining the reasons behind the delayed payments.
They called for greater transparency and a clear mechanism to ensure salaries are released on time.
Similar Protests Reported Earlier
The issue of delayed wages is not new in Bandipora district.
In recent months, National Health Mission employees in Hajin staged protests over non-payment of salaries.
At that time, officials reportedly attributed the delays to technical issues in the treasury system.
According to Beyond Time News, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in the district have also held demonstrations over pending dues and what they described as a lack of response to their grievances.
These protests highlighted growing frustration among healthcare workers over wage-related issues.
Demand for Timely Salary Mechanism
Employees have urged the authorities to establish a system that ensures regular and timely payment of salaries.
They said healthcare workers should not have to face financial uncertainty while continuing to provide essential services.
According to Beyond Time News, workers stressed that delayed wages affect morale and place an additional burden on employees and their families.
They appealed for immediate measures to address the issue and prevent similar delays in the future.
Official Response Remains Limited
When contacted regarding the matter, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Bandipora Dr Tahir Malik declined to comment.
According to Beyond Time News, he said he was not authorized to speak to the media.
He also questioned the identity of the reporter but did not specifically respond to the allegations regarding delayed salaries.
No official explanation has yet been issued concerning the reasons behind the prolonged delays.
Healthcare Workers Seek Resolution
The issue has once again drawn attention to the challenges faced by health workers in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Employees say timely payment of salaries is essential for maintaining the welfare of healthcare staff and ensuring uninterrupted medical services.
As concerns continue to mount, workers are hoping authorities will take steps to address their grievances and establish a more reliable payment system.
FAQs
Why are Bandipora health workers protesting?
Health workers have raised concerns over months-long delays in salary payments and the lack of official explanations.
Which employees are affected?
Workers employed under the National Health Mission (NHM) and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) programmes have reported payment issues.
Have similar protests occurred before?
Yes. NHM employees in Hajin and ASHA workers in Bandipora have previously staged protests over delayed wages and pending payments.
What explanation have officials provided?
Earlier, officials cited technical issues in the treasury system. However, no detailed explanation has been given regarding the latest delays.
What are employees demanding?
Workers are seeking a transparent mechanism to ensure the timely release of salaries and prevent future delays.
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