Ruhullah joins NHM protest in Budgam

Budgam, Sep 17: Srinagar Lok Sabha Member Parliament and National Conference (NC) leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Thursday joined protesting National Health Mission (NHM) employees in Budgam and expressed solidarity with them.
According to reports, protests of NHM employees in J&K entered into its eighth consecutive day Thursday.
The protesting employees have been seeking resolution of their long-pending service-related issues, including job security, regularisation, pay parity and social security benefits.
The employees have maintained that they want a comprehensive and time-bound mechanism to address their concerns rather than temporary assurances.
Addressing reporters during the protest, Ruhullah also questioned the Jammu and Kashmir government over the delay in addressing the reservation issue, alleging that the matter has remained pending for nearly two years.
“Two years have passed, but the government has failed to tell the people where the reservation file is. Leave the ego aside and disclose its status and contents,” he said.
Ruhullah said that if the government was unable to pursue the matter, it should hand over the responsibility to them, stating that he would accompany students to ascertain the status of the file.
“If the Chief Minister knows where the file is but is unable to bring it forward, let us know. We will go and find it ourselves and inform the students at what stage the matter is pending,” he said.
The MP also alleged that the government was not adequately addressing the concerns of various protesting groups, including NHM employees, medical interns and veterinary interns. He called for dialogue with employees and other sections of society and said that listening to public grievances was essential for a government that had received a mandate from the people.
Referring to the ongoing NHM agitation, Ruhullah said the concerns of employees should be addressed through engagement and a concrete mechanism rather than allowing the protests to continue.
The NHM strike has entered its eighth day amid demands for job security, regularisation, pay parity and social-security provisions. The employees have also reiterated their willingness to engage in dialogue if the government comes forward with a clear and time-bound roadmap. (KNO)