Thane: Contract employees in Maharashtra under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) are agitated over the State Government`s decision to outsource the services under the Centre-sponsored programme.
To protest against the Government`s move, more than 250 such staffers employed in Thane district on Friday held a demonstration in front of the district collectorate braving heavy downpour.
The protesters, mostly women, displayed placards and shouted slogans against the Government.
More than 20,000 employees in the State will be adversely affected by this move, said Nandkishore Kasar, Executive President, Rashtriya Gramin Arogya Abhiyan Adhikari Aur Karmachari Mahasangh, a union representing contract staffers under the scheme launched in April 2005.
Union members said the staffers are currently employed on contract with the Government, which proposes to hand over the entire activity under the scheme to private agencies.
The protesters also demanded several benefits such as provident fund, life insurance, and increase in number of leaves, among others.
The NRHM seeks to provide accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to the rural population, especially the vulnerable sections. The Centre funds 75 per cent of the costs of the project, a flagship scheme of the Congress-led UPA Government implemented by States.
PTI
