Saswat Singhdeo

Puri: The Director of National Health Mission (NHM), Shalini Pandit, was locked up by some contractual staff of the district headquarters hospital (DHH) in Puri today as a mark of protest over their pending salary.

As per reports, Pandit was detained while she was on an official visit to review healthcare facilities at the DHH. While Pandit was at the Chief District Medical Officer's (CDMO) office, the contractual staff locked the gate from outside.

After getting information about the incident, Kumbharpada Police and Puri DSP reached the spot and pacified the agitating crowd. However, when the NHM Director was leaving the hospital, some agitators also lied down in front of her vehicle in protest.

Alleging that no steps have been taken to resolve the issue, Tapan Kumar Sethi, a contractual employee of Rogi Kalyan Samiti said, "We have even brought the issue to the notice of the Chief Minister, but nothing has been done till now. CDMO is only giving us false assurances."

While the CDMO said that focus is being laid on how the 46 contractual employees will get their pending salary, no comments could be obtained from Pandit.

"The pending salary will be paid to the employees for sure. We just need some time for the same," said the CDMO.

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