Member of Parliament urges Lt. Governor to Address Grievances of Contractual NHM Employees in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Port Blair, September 9: In a formal appeal to the Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Member of Parliament Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has brought attention to the unresolved grievances of contractual employees working under the National Health Mission (NHM) in the Union Territory. The appeal emphasizes the pressing need for the administration to address issues related to salary disparities, service benefits, and compliance with labor laws.
The MP highlighted that over 600 contractual employees, working in various healthcare units across the islands, are facing exploitation despite their significant contributions to the healthcare system. He noted that these employees, who perform similar duties as their regular counterparts, are being paid lower wages and denied essential benefits, which violates the principle of “equal pay for equal work.”
Mr. Ray pointed out that many of these workers, including Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and Staff Nurses, receive salaries that do not even meet the minimum wage requirements. For instance, NHM nurses are paid Rs. 16,000 per month, compared to their counterparts at the Andaman Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), who earn Rs. 40,000. This, Mr. Ray stressed, is a violation of the Minimum Wages Act of 1948.
In addition, the MP cited the failure of local authorities to implement the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC) guidelines. According to these guidelines, NHM employees are entitled to full service benefits, hardship allowances, and EPF benefits, as well as the right to work until retirement. Despite repeated appeals, these provisions remain unfulfilled.
Mr. Ray also called attention to the non-compliance with the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. He noted that despite directives issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there has been no effective implementation of the EPF scheme for these workers.
The MP has urged the Lt. Governor to establish a Human Resource Policy for NHM employees and take immediate action against the officials responsible for delaying the implementation of these critical directives. He also proposed the formation of a committee to study best practices from other states and union territories and to recommend actionable solutions.
Mr. Ray concluded by stressing that the grievances of NHM employees have been long-standing, and immediate intervention is necessary to ensure their rights and welfare are protected.