Strike: Haryana govt imposes section 144 near hospitals

Chandigarh: Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij has directed the imposition of prohibitory orders under section 144 within two km radius of civil hospitals in the state to facilitate the patients and to ensure better treatment atmosphere. The move comes in response to the ongoing strike of National Health Mission workers in the state.

Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) of 1973 empowers a magistrate to prohibit an assembly of more than four people in an area. According to sections 141-149 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the maximum punishment for engaging in rioting is rigorous imprisonment for 3 years and/or fine. Every member of an unlawful assembly can be held responsible for a crime committed by the group. Obstructing an officer trying to disperse an unlawful i assembly may attract further punishment.

Vij issued these directions to the officers while presiding over a meeting of the health department, an official release said.

On the issue of the strike of National Health Mission (NHM) workers continuing for nearly a week now, Vij said the government is spending Rs 180 crore per annum on the employees of NHM and most of their demands have already been fulfilled.

He said a hike of five percent and another hike of three percent have been made in the honorarium of these employees.