SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, July 10: Multipurpose Health Workers (MPWs) in Jharkhand have decided to call off their strike and the proposed boycott of duties during the State Shrawani Mela at Baba Baidyanathdham, Deoghar.
The decision followed a meeting with Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Health, Ajoy Kumar Singh, during which the government accepted all three of the MPW association’s demands.
The Jharkhand MPW Employees Association (JMPWEA) announced that, in light of this development, it would also cancel the proposed gherao of Nepal House scheduled for July 11.
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The Shrawani Mela, a month-long religious event that begins tomorrow, sees thousands of devotees (Kanwariyas) visiting Baba Dham and Basukinath, where MPWs play a crucial role in delivering health services.
Demands Accepted by Government
JMPWEA President Pawan Kumar said that the ACS Health assured them that the file regarding the regularization of MPWs’ jobs is being forwarded to the finance department for necessary action.
Additionally, the long-pending travel and daily allowances (TA/DA) for duties performed during the Shrawani Mela from 2016 to 2024 will be paid.
In response to a specific union demand, the ACS also ordered the immediate transfer of a staff member, Pradeep Kumar, from the Health Directorate office.
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Statewide Agitation Withdrawn
“Following the acceptance of our demands, the association has decided to withdraw the statewide agitation,” said JMPWEA President Pawan Kumar, adding, “All MPWs have been directed to report for their deputation duties in Baba Dham and Basukinath from tomorrow.”
Alongside Pawan Kumar, the JMPWEA delegation at the meeting included secretary Amrendra Kumar, Ritesh Kumar, and general secretary of the Jharkhand State Non-Gazetted Employees Association Sunil Kumar.
