Jammu, Sep 14: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Sunday acknowledged that the demands of National Health Mission (NHM) workers were genuine and urged them to call off their ongoing strike and resume their duties.

Choudhary said the Omar Abdullah-led government was committed to addressing the concerns of employees and workers and implementing the commitments made in its election manifesto.

He said the government was aware of the issues confronting NHM workers and believed that their demands could be addressed through dialogue and discussions instead of continued agitation that could affect healthcare services.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the government would consider the workers’ concerns within the existing institutional and financial framework.

On the issue of resources, Choudhary blamed the Centre for the delay in restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He said the financial limitations of the Union Territory were affecting the government’s ability to meet various demands.

He also alleged that Jammu and Kashmir was not receiving adequate funding from the Centre, which had further constrained the government’s financial position.

Choudhary appealed to the protesting NHM workers to return to their duties and assured them that their demands would be taken up with the concerned authorities.

NHM workers have been on strike over their long-standing demands, including job security, regularisation and improvement in service conditions.