Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal on Saturday assured the protesting employees of National Health Mission (NHM) that he will soon take up the parity issue of their salaries with Union Health Minister. Extending an appeal to striking employees to withdraw their protests, Badal said he will personally make a request to Union Minister to consider the issue on priority and sympathetically as NRHM is the largest public health programme of Government of India, in which 75 per cent funds are come from the Centre and the rest from the State. He said State will proportionately enhance their salaries in accordance with the Centre.
In a meeting with the core committee of NRHM Employees Union, Punjab here, Badal after hearing the demands of union patiently, said their Government has always been in favour of employees and their rights have been protected in all circumstances. He informed the members of core committee that he was getting details from health department and a comprehensive charter will be submitted to Union Health Minister to take necessary steps in this regard.
Appealing to the employees to withdraw their protest and resume their respective duties immediately, Badal said the ruling alliance was fully committed to resolve issues pertaining to NHM. Those present in the meeting included Principal Secretary Health, Vini Mahajan and members of core committee.