NHM employees in the state face a salary delay with August payments still pending ahead of Durga Puja, despite government orders for advance salaries. Pending vendor payments, SPARSH system transition issues, and bureaucratic hurdles have worsened the crisis, leaving employees uncertain and financially strained during the festive season.
As the festive season approaches, employees of the National Health Mission (NHM) in the state are facing an unprecedented financial setback with their August salaries still pending. This comes at a time when the state’s Finance Department has already issued an order for all departments to release advance salaries and pensions for September to ease financial burdens during Durga Puja. However, NHM employees remain excluded from this relief, leaving them uncertain and distressed.
Delay in Salary Release Raises Concerns
For thousands of NHM employees across the state, the delay has cast a shadow over the upcoming festivities. Traditionally, the release of salaries before Durga Puja helps families prepare for the celebrations. But with August payments yet to be credited, employees are left grappling with financial strain. Adding to their woes, this marks the second consecutive instance of delayed salary payments in recent months.
Not only have employee salaries been stalled, but pending payments to vendors and suppliers engaged in NHM activities across the state have also piled up, further compounding the crisis. Vendors, who provide essential goods and services, are now facing liquidity issues that may disrupt operations under the mission.
SPARSH Account System Creates Transition Bottleneck
The root of the crisis appears linked to the recently introduced SPARSH Account system, a centralized treasury mechanism mandated by the Central Government to streamline fund management and ensure greater accountability.
According to sources, the Central Government has already deposited ₹125 crore into the SPARSH account for two quarters. However, the State Government’s contribution, reportedly around ₹12 crore for the last two quarters, is yet to be fully deposited. Allegedly, instead of meeting the system’s requirements, the state has adjusted or transferred funds in lump sums to NHM, delaying the activation and smooth operation of the new accounts.
Previously, the State Government relied on the 15th Finance Commission’s Fund to bridge delays in disbursement. But under the new centralized treasury system, compliance and timely fund transfers are critical — a requirement that seems to be faltering.
Finance File Stuck in Bureaucratic Hurdles
At present, the file for salary release is pending in the Finance Department. Reports suggest that it was submitted late by both the Health Department and NHM authorities, leading to further delays.
Despite having senior IAS officers and dedicated financial managers — including a State Accounts Manager, a State Finance Manager, and a DDO — overseeing NHM’s financial operations, coordination appears weak. The situation has been further aggravated by the inaction of a newly formed financial welfare committee, which has yet to meet even once since its inception.
Allegations of Internal Dysfunction and Power Struggle
What complicates matters further are allegations of an internal power tussle within NHM’s finance wing. Some employees accuse the accounts and finance section of deliberately withholding feedback and obstructing problem resolution.
The Health Secretary’s instructions, sources allege, are often ignored, creating a confusing dynamic described by insiders as a “dictatorship” within the finance wing. Observers have questioned the chain of command, remarking that it is now unclear “who controls whom” in NHM’s financial structure.
Despite the gravity of the situation, senior officials from NHM and the Health Department are yet to meet the Finance Minister to expedite matters. Employees fear that even if a resolution is reached soon, it may take an additional 10 days for salaries to actually reach their accounts — pushing them closer to Durga Puja without financial certainty.
Human Cost: Festival Season Under Financial Strain
For NHM employees, who already work under intense pressure with limited job security, this salary delay has come as a severe blow. Many families depend solely on these earnings to manage household expenses and festive costs. The uncertainty has forced some to borrow money or defer essential purchases, undermining the spirit of Durga Puja preparations.
The festival, which is traditionally a time of celebration, community gatherings, and religious observance, is now overshadowed by anxiety and financial hardship for NHM employees and their families.
Outlook and Next Steps
With Central funds already in place and the state’s share expected soon, there remains hope that the crisis will be resolved. However, unless coordination improves between NHM, the Health Department, and the Finance Department, employees may continue to face similar struggles in the future.
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The current impasse highlights the importance of efficient financial governance in welfare-oriented missions like NHM, where employees form the backbone of health service delivery. As the state gears up for Durga Puja, all eyes are on the Finance Department to expedite disbursement and restore trust among its employees.
