JAMMU, Jul 27: Non-gazetted employees of Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu and its associated hospitals observed a one-day token strike and protest on Monday, demanding the immediate restoration of a special allowance that they claim has remained pending despite repeated assurances from the government. Similar demonstrations were organised across associated medical institutions in support of the long-pending demand.
The protesters sought the restoration of a special allowance equivalent to two-and-a-half days’ salary for four categories of employees—laboratory staff, drivers, Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), and sanitary workers. According to the employees, the allowance was discontinued after an order issued by the Director Finance reclassified these categories as ministerial staff, making them ineligible for the benefit.
The main demonstration was held at GMC Jammu under the leadership of Arun Sharma, President, GMC Jammu. Parallel protests were organised at SMGS Hospital under the leadership of Harpreet Kour, President, SMGS, while employees at Bhagwan Singh Dental College also staged a demonstration led by Anoop Kohli. Participants raised slogans demanding immediate intervention by the government and restoration of the allowance.
The employees recalled that after a similar protest held about a month ago, Health Minister Sakina Itoo had assured them that the issue would be resolved at the earliest. However, they alleged that no concrete action has been taken so far, compelling them to resume their agitation.
Jammu and Kashmir Medical Employees Federation (JKMEF) President Jaswinder Singh said the continued delay was unfair to employees who regularly perform duties on Sundays and gazetted holidays without receiving the agreed special allowance. He warned that if the demand is not addressed within the current month, the Joint Action Committee would intensify its agitation.
RTI activist Balwinder Singh also extended support to the employees and said he had written to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, urging immediate resolution of what he described as a genuine demand deserving prompt consideration.
Among those who addressed the protesters were JKMEF General Secretary Perfulat Singh, Arun Sharma, Anoop Kohli, and Harpreet Kour. The Joint Action Committee urged the Health and Finance Departments to immediately restore the special allowance under the relevant SRO and announce a clear implementation timeline, warning that further delay could affect the smooth functioning of essential healthcare services.