A delegation of the Jaintia National Council (JNC) has sought the intervention of the Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla and Mission Director of National Health Mission (NHM) R Chitturi for regularizing the services of the contractual staff engaged under the mission in the state.

“We have submitted a Memorandum seeking enhancement and regularization of contractual staff engaged under NHM into permanent positions, particularly for those who have dedicated over a decade of service,” President of JNC (Western Zone) Hamehi Bamon said in a statement issued on Monday.

He said Chitturi concurred with the JNC’s requests and pledged to take up the issue with the Central government. “He (Chitturi) has assured to take this issue to the Central government and work towards ensuring equal pay for equal work.”

Bamon also informed that the health minister has assured the delegation that measures would be taken to guarantee that contractual workers receive salaries commensurate with those of permanent staff.

“(According to the minister), the government will not overlook those who have committed many years to the NHM. Should the contracts of these employees lapse in the interim, the government will seek alternative employment opportunities for them as necessary,” he said.