Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) general secretary R.S. Praveen Kumar on Monday extended support to the indefinite NHM employees’ strike at Indira Park. He accused the Congress government of ignoring demands for job security, revised pay scales and service benefits despite 14 days of protests.
Addressing the protesting National Health Mission (NHM) employees on October 26, Praveen Kumar criticised the government’s handling of their grievances. He alleged that the administration had failed to initiate meaningful discussions with the striking workers.
BRS supports NHM employees’ strike at Indira Park
Praveen Kumar said NHM employees played an important role in delivering public healthcare services across Telangana. He particularly highlighted their contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, when healthcare workers faced considerable responsibilities in protecting public health.
However, he alleged that the Congress government had failed to recognise their service through adequate employment benefits. He said employees continued to demand job security, proper pay scales and improved service conditions.
Despite the protest continuing for 14 days, the government had not adequately addressed their concerns, he alleged. Praveen Kumar assured the protesters that the BRS would support their demands.
Praveen Kumar recalls salary increase under BRS government
The BRS general secretary referred to the previous government headed by former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao. He said the BRS administration had increased NHM employees’ salaries in 2018.
In contrast, he accused the present Congress government of failing to respond constructively to the workers’ demands. Praveen Kumar maintained that employees who had contributed to public healthcare deserved greater employment security and appropriate financial benefits.
He also questioned the government’s reluctance to engage in discussions aimed at resolving the dispute. Praveen Kumar criticised the alleged failure to implement maternity leave provisions for employees working in the Health Department.
He compared their situation with maternity benefits available to workers in other government departments and private companies. According to him, NHM employees should receive appropriate service protections and benefits.
He also demanded implementation of the Employee Health Scheme for healthcare workers who sustained injuries while performing their duties. The BRS leader said the government should address these concerns alongside demands for salary improvements and job security.
BRS proposes Rs 100 crore allocation for NHM workers
Praveen Kumar suggested that the government could address several employee grievances through a budgetary allocation of Rs 100 crore. He referred to Telangana’s Rs 3 lakh crore State budget and argued that the proposed amount could support the workers’ demands.
The allocation, he said, could help provide improved service benefits, including health coverage for employees injured on duty. Meanwhile, he reiterated that the government should hold meaningful discussions with representatives of the striking workers.
Praveen Kumar said the NHM employees’ strike reflected unresolved concerns over employment conditions and benefits. He assured the protesters that the BRS would continue supporting their demands until the government addressed them.