SHILLONG, Jan 8: The Meghalaya government has threatened to terminate the contract of GVK EMRI if the non-profit organisation is unable to ensure the resumption of services. 
Employees of GVK EMRI in the state may lose their jobs in the process.
The additional director (MCH&FW)-cum-joint MD of the National Health Mission (NHM), in a letter to GVK EMRI’s state head, said the NHM would be releasing the additional funds to the organisation for paying the salaries of the staff being paid in line with the minimum wage with effect from October 2021. “You are to ensure that the services are no longer disrupted and fully functional, particularly giving emphasis on the resurgence of the new variant and wave of COVID. If your agency is unable to ensure the resumption of the services then the government will have to initiate steps in facilitating termination of the contract as per Clause 13 of the agreement,” the letter said.
The service of the 108 ambulances in the state was severely hit after 250 employees of the firm went on a week’s strike demanding an increase in salary and the regularisation of their services. The agitating employees said they want the government to take over the service for their job security. But the government has not taken any decision on taking over the company after deciding to increase the minimum wage.
Sources in EMRI said the new salary will be rolled out from February and if the government terminates the agreement, many employees will lose their jobs.