J&K Labour Department failed to run state-owned ESI dispensaries, cry industrial workers

Jammu, July 1 (KNN) Members of Bari Brahmana Industries Association (BBIA) have raised concerns that the Labour Department in Jammu and Kashmir has failed to run State Owned ESI dispensaries and to establish 11 new dispensaries across the State.

The meeting was held under the chairmanhip of Lalit Mahajan, BBIA President during which this issue was discussed.

The members said, “Even after employers and employees are paying the requisite contribution to ESI Corporation on time, workers across the state are facing many problems. According to data of the BBIA, about 2.5 lakh workers are registered with the ESI Corporation and corporation allocated requisite funds to the Labour Department for providing necessary medical and paramedical staff and other services in the operating dispensaries."

“Due to the non-availability of doctors, patients are being compelled to get treatment from pharmacist putting their life into risk. Industrial workers raised concern on the absence of doctors in the dispensaries after 2 PM with a fact that government timings are from 10 AM to 4.30 PM. Most sufferers who visit the dispensaries after 3.00pm due to working in shift from 8.00am to 3.00pm face problems”, the members said during the meeting.

“Labour Department is unable to provide the required staff in the state-owned dispensaries as the health department has refused to provide the doctors and paramedical staff on deputation due to shortage, members at the meeting discussed.

Along with President Lalit Mahajan, Tarun Singla, Senior Vice President, Ajay Langer, Vice President Viraaj Malhotra, General Secretary, Rajesh Jain, and other members participated in the meeting.

The Association has urged Khurshid A Ganai, Advisor to Governor, J&K, to intervene into the matter and issue necessary orders for the appointment of adequate staff in ESI Dispensaries and also open the 11 new dispensaries in the state to provide great relief to needy workers in availing the benefits of ESI schemes.