Avinash Azad
The Jammu and Kashmir government has clarified in the Legislative Assembly that any salary revision or parity adjustments for employees under the National Health Mission (NHM) must align with the policies of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
The statement was made in response to a query raised by MLA Bahu, Ch. Vikram Randhawa, regarding salary disparities between NHM employees in Jammu and Kashmir and their counterparts in other states.
According to the government’s response, the NHM in J&K is fully funded by the central government, and any proposed salary adjustments require prior approval from the MoHFW. The government further emphasized that compliance with NHM’s budget allocations and policy objectives is necessary before any wage revision can take place.
Past Salary Revisions and Annual Increments
The government highlighted that NHM salaries in J&K were revised between 2021-22, with an increase from 15 to 17 percent, following approval from the central government. Additionally, NHM employees in the region receive an annual increment of percent.
Moreover, specific wage enhancements were implemented for various categories of NHM employees:
-Specialist Doctors: Salary increased from ₹50,000 to ₹85,000 per month.
-Medical Officers (MBBS): Salary raised from ₹30,000 to ₹35,000, with an additional ₹15,000 as a performance incentive.
-Medical Officers (AYUSH): Salary enhanced from ₹25,000 to ₹35,000.
-Dental Surgeons: Salary increased from ₹23,000 to ₹35,000.
Uncertainty Over Further Salary Revisions
Despite these increments, the government did not commit to any immediate plans to bridge the salary gap between NHM employees in J&K and those in other states. The government reiterated that any further salary enhancements would be contingent upon directives from the MoHFW and the availability of funds under the NHM framework.
The response has drawn mixed reactions, with NHM employees in J&K expressing concerns over wage disparities and demanding a structured roadmap for future salary revisions. Many argue that the rising cost of living and workload disparities warrant an urgent review of the pay structure. With the matter now tied to central approvals, NHM employees in Jammu and Kashmir remain uncertain about their financial future, as they await further developments on the issue.
