Key Points:
KMEF announced a two hour strike on February 20 across GMC Jammu and associated hospitals
Protest against allowance withdrawal equal to two and a half days salary under SRO-91 of 1982
Federation also opposed Order No. 807-HME of 2025 and January 20, 2026 finance order
Non clerical staff including lab assistants, drivers, MTS and sanitary workers allegedly classified as ministerial
Union warned agitation may escalate if government does not withdraw the orders
Medical employees in Jammu have announced a protest strike after alleging unfair salary cuts and service condition changes. The Jammu Kashmir Medical Employees Federation (JKMEF), Jammu province, confirmed that workers across Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu and its associated hospitals will observe a two hour strike on February 20.
The federation says the agitation targets recent government orders that reduced allowances and altered employee classification, affecting thousands of healthcare support staff.
The decision was taken during an urgent meeting held at the DHS Complex in Jammu under the chairmanship of federation president Jaswinder Singh. Representatives from GMC Jammu and its hospitals attended the meeting.
Leaders strongly opposed Order No. Acctt/236/2022-02 dated January 20, 2026 and Order No. 807-HME of 2025. According to the federation, the Director Finance stopped an allowance equivalent to two and a half days salary by invoking SRO-91 of 1982.
The organization described the move as unjustified and harmful to the interests of medical employees.
JKMEF chairman and PCI member Sushil Sudan alleged that the government wrongly categorized several non clerical workers as ministerial staff.
He said the decision violated SRO-334 dated July 13, 2022 and adversely impacted their service benefits. The affected categories include lab assistants, drivers, Multi Tasking Staff and sanitary staff.
According to the federation, this classification has directly reduced allowances and altered long standing service conditions.
Several office bearers and representatives participated in the discussions, including:
General secretary Parfulat Singh
Anoop Khajuria and Amarjeet Singh from GMC Jammu
Working president Bahadur Singh
Secretary Ram Lal
Office secretary Kulwant Singh
Press secretary Tejinder Singh
They unanimously endorsed the strike decision.
The federation has demanded immediate withdrawal of the disputed orders.
Leaders warned that if authorities fail to address the grievances, the protest could intensify beyond the planned two hour strike. Healthcare workers emphasized that they prefer dialogue but will continue agitation to protect employee rights and benefits.
(Rh/ARC)
