Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal has assured the protesting employees of National Health Mission 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 that he will personally make a request to Union Minister to consider the issue on priority and sympathetically as As NRHM is the largest public health programme of Government of India, in which 75 percent funds are come from center and the rest from the state. He said state will proportionately enhance their salaries in accordance with center. 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.
While appealing 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.Prominent amongst those present in the meeting Principal Secretary Health Mrs. Vini Mahajan and members of core committee including Avtar Singh, DPM Mansa President, Navneet Kaur, Ninder Kaur, Balwinder Kumar, Narinder Kumar and Kiranjeet Kaur.