Kupwara, Sept 10 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hamid Karra on Thursday questioned the Omar Abdullah-led government over the delay in addressing the grievances of NRHM employees and medical interns, saying the financial implication involved was not large enough to justify keeping the issues unresolved.

Speaking to a Kashmir News Service correspondent during his visit to Kupwara, Karra referred to the statement made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during the last Budget session that Jammu and Kashmir was receiving “liberal funding” from the Centre.

“If it is a matter of Rs 18 crore, even if there is no liberal funding, it can be accommodated. Maybe not together, maybe by instalments,” Karra said.

Karra said the annual financial implication of enhancing the stipend of medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir was estimated at between Rs 18 crore and Rs 20 crore.

He said interns were currently receiving Rs 12,300 per month, while their counterparts in several other states were getting Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000.

Karra said the Congress had also written to the Chief Minister after the interns announced their agitation, urging the government to consider their demand.

“When there is liberal funding, then such issues should not be given time,” he said.

Karra also raised the issue of NRHM employees, who, according to him, were observing a 72-hour strike over their demands.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He said the employees had received an enhancement in their remuneration only once since the establishment of the scheme and were working on a consolidated basis without the benefits available to regular government employees.

“Keeping inflation in mind, I think their enhancement demand is valid,” Karra said.

He also termed their demand for matching grants towards welfare measures as justified and said the demand for retirement benefits, including a “golden handshake”, could be discussed and settled through negotiations.

“But by and large, there are not many demands. And these demands can also be met,” he said.

Karra said the government should also look into the grievances of other categories of workers, including casual labourers and need-based employees.

“Whether they are NRHM employees, interns, casual labourers, need-based or other employees who are on strike, they should also be accommodated from this liberal funding,” he said.

Karra said the government should act on the grievances of employees and interns instead of allowing such issues to continue for prolonged periods.

“If there is liberal funding, then the benefit should be provided to the people of J&K, especially the employees who have been striking for a long time,” he said.(KNS)