Staff at the Miri Piri Hospital in Shahabad, Kurukshetra, launched an indefinite strike on Friday, protesting salaries that have been pending for the past three months. The strike, organized under the banner of the Miri Piri Karamchari Sangharsh Samiti, has led to the suspension of outpatient department (OPD) services, which typically cater to nearly 600 patients daily. Emergency services, intensive care units (ICU), dialysis, delivery, and scheduled surgeries remain functional.
Dispute Over Funding Responsibilities
The employees blame the ongoing dispute between the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for the salary crisis. According to the staff, the HSGMC has refused to clear the dues, claiming it has not yet taken over possession of the hospital. Meanwhile, the SGPC has also stopped providing funds after the Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled in favor of the HSGMC in May.
The striking employees held a dharna at the hospital, raising slogans demanding immediate payment. “Our salaries must be cleared soon; we are finding it hard to manage household expenses,” said a representative of the staff. They urged both committees to resolve their differences and clarify which body will run the hospital.
HSGMC and SGPC Trade Blame
Secretary of the Miri Piri Trust, Sukhminder Singh, stated that the HSGMC initially showed eagerness to take over the institute but backed off after learning about its financial requirements. “Nobody stopped them from taking possession. The SGPC had been managing the hospital and providing an adequate budget, but after the court’s order, it was the HSGMC’s duty to financially support the institute,” Singh said. He added that the high court’s May order has been challenged, with a notice of motion issued for July 27. If the matter is decided in favor of the SGPC, it will resume funding.
HSGMC President Jagdish Singh Jhinda countered that the Haryana committee has yet to take possession of the hospital and will only start funding after that. “It is still being managed by the trust headed by the SGPC president; hence, it should continue to fund the hospital until possession is taken over by the Haryana committee,” Jhinda said. He noted that the trust has challenged the court’s order, and the HSGMC is also seeking legal opinion.
Critical Services Maintained
CEO of Miri Piri Institute, Dr. Sandeep Inder Singh Cheema, confirmed that while the staff is on strike, emergency and other critical care services are being provided. “The matter was taken up with the HSGMC president, but the issue remains unresolved. We have requested the SGPC to fund the hospital, and we are hopeful of getting a positive response,” Cheema said.
The salary crisis has deepened as both committees pass the buck, leaving employees in financial distress. With OPD services halted, patients are bearing the brunt of the administrative deadlock.
