Srinagar, Aug 19: The indefinite peaceful protest by non-gazetted employees of the five new Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) of Jammu and Kashmir entered its third consecutive day on Wednesday, with employees reiterating their demand for the finalisation and formal notification of Recruitment/Service Rules.

Employees of GMCs in Anantnag, Baramulla, Doda, Kathua and Rajouri began the protest on August 17, seeking an end to what they describe as a prolonged delay in establishing a clear and uniform service framework.
The protesting employees said that despite the continuation of their peaceful agitation, they had not received any concrete response, official communication or meaningful intervention from the Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education (JKHME) Department.
They said the absence of notified service rules has created uncertainty over their service conditions, promotions, career progression and other employment-related matters.
The employees maintained that their demand is neither for preferential treatment nor any special concession, but for the government to complete the rule-making process and provide a clearly defined statutory framework governing their services.
According to the protesters, the five new GMCs have been functioning for several years, with non-gazetted staff playing an important role in supporting healthcare delivery and institutional operations. However, the continued uncertainty over service rules has left employees concerned about their long-term career prospects.
The employees have urged the concerned authorities to intervene urgently and ensure that the Recruitment/Service Rules are finalised and notified without further delay.
They also appealed to the Health and Medical Education Department to engage with representatives of the protesting employees and resolve the issue through meaningful dialogue.
The protesters reiterated that their agitation would remain peaceful and democratic, while stressing that they would continue to press for their legitimate demand until a formal decision is taken by the government.
With the protest entering its third day, employees said they hoped the administration would take cognisance of their concerns and initiate the necessary process to bring an end to the prolonged uncertainty.