Punjab Health Employees Announce Agitation Over Unmet Salary Demands
Health employees in Punjab, who are crucial in delivering HIV and AIDS services across government hospitals, have declared their intention to stage a protest. This decision comes as a response to what they describe as persistent government neglect regarding their long-standing demands, particularly a promised salary increase that has yet to materialize.
Frontline Workers Express Frustration Over Government Apathy
These employees operate on the frontlines of public health, providing essential services such as testing, counseling, treatment support, drug distribution to patients, and assistance in blood banks. Their role is vital in controlling the spread of HIV and AIDS in the region. Under the banner of the Punjab AIDS Control Employees Welfare Association, they have voiced deep disappointment over the government's failure to implement a 20% salary hike, which was assured ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections.
State president Jasmail Singh Deol highlighted the lack of progress despite multiple meetings with government officials, including senior health authorities. "We have been serving the public tirelessly, yet our genuine concerns continue to be overlooked. Even after repeated assurances, the promised salary hike has not been implemented," he stated.
Echoing these sentiments, general secretary Gurjant Singh pointed out that several rounds of discussions with the government have failed to yield any results. "It has been four years and not a single demand has been fulfilled. We are feeling disheartened and ignored. The delay has only added to our frustration," he added.
Escalation of Agitation Planned
With no resolution in sight, the association has decided to escalate their agitation. They announced plans to gherao Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal during their visit to Sirhind on March 28. The employees hold the state government responsible for any situation that may arise during the protest, emphasizing their determination to seek justice for their unmet demands.
The protest underscores the growing unrest among health workers in Punjab, who feel undervalued despite their critical contributions to public health. As the date approaches, all eyes are on the government's response to avert potential disruptions in essential health services.
