Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 8: The Joint Action Committee of Health and Medical College employees today urged the Government to resolve the long-pending issue of the withholding of an allowance equivalent to two-and-a-half days’ salary for several categories of non-gazetted employees, warning of renewed protests if the matter remains unresolved.
Addressing a press conference at the Press Club Jammu, representatives of the employees’ body said that the issue arose after the Finance Department issued an order on January 20, 2026, which led to the discontinuation of the allowance being paid to certain categories of non-gazetted staff working in health institutions across the Union Territory.
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They recalled that the decision had triggered widespread protests and strikes by employees in health institutions, following which Health Minister Sakeena Itoo had assured staff that the matter would be resolved at the earliest. However, they alleged that despite the passage of nearly six months, no concrete solution has emerged.
Speaking on the occasion, Sushil Sudan, Chairman of the J&K Medical Employees Federation (JKMEF), expressed dissatisfaction over the Government’s handling of the issue. He said that several rounds of discussions had been held with senior authorities, including the Chief Secretary, the Commissioner of Health, and the Health Minister, but the employees’ concerns remained unaddressed.
Sudan further stated that a committee headed by Dr Asutosh, Principal of Government Medical College, had been constituted to examine the matter. However, he alleged that the committee failed to resolve the issue and instead complicated it further.
Arun Sharma, president, GMC Jammu, warned that employees would intensify their agitation and resume token strikes if the Government does not take an early decision.
Jaswinder Singh, president of JKMEF, appealed to the Health Minister to consider replacing SRO 91 of 1982 with SRO 334 of 2022, stating that such a step could help address the employees’ grievance.
Among those present were Perfulat Singh, general secretary, JKMEF; Arun Kohli, president, Lab Technicians Association; and Harpal Singh, president, X-Ray Technicians Association.
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