The staff members under the National Health Mission have threatened to embark on an agitation from January 24 to press their demands. They submitted a memorandum to Baleswar MP RK Jena for the Chief Minister and other concerned.
The memorandum contained mainly two demands, including creation of a special cadre for them and regularizing their service and salary as per 7th Pay Commission recommendation till their service is regularized, convener of their association Kabi Prasad Sahu said.
They said that they would intensify their agitation, including cease work from January 24 if their demands were not met by January 20. They said they were handling one of the most prospective programmes of the Government which is managed by them in national, State as well as district level.
The manpower engaged through the NHM does a multifarious job, including implementing health schemes in village level and finance managing. Despite their high responsibilities and accountabilities, they were paid low wages.
Association district president Suryakanta Barik, secretary Bhagirathi Behera, district project manager Prabhu Paryant Pati, district accounts manager Durga Prasad Mohanty and ASHA Manger Swarajit Ray were also present during submission of memorandum.