GMC’s Safai Karamcharis without salary for 8 months

Safai Karamcharis of GMC Rajouri staging protest on Wednesday. —Excelsior/Imran
Safai Karamcharis of GMC Rajouri staging protest on Wednesday. —Excelsior/Imran

*Stage protest outside main gate
Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, June 5: Safai Karamcharis (Sanitation workers) employed in the Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri at Kheora, held protest demonstration today, highlighting the non-payment of their salaries for the past eight months.
The protest, which included both male and female workers, took place in front of the main gate of GMC Rajouri. Safai Karamcharis, while expressing their deep frustration, stated that they were hired three years ago but have been facing continuous delays in receiving their salaries. They reported that the payments, when eventually received, are often lower than the agreed amount, compounding their financial difficulties amidst rising living costs.
Workers cited conflicting responses from the contractor and GMC administrative authorities as the reason for the delay. The contractor allegedly attributes the delay to the government not passing his bill, while GMC officials claim that the budget has not been approved.
The protest, which lasted approximately for three hours, drew attention from various quarters. Later, Medical Superintendent of GMC Rajouri, Dr Mohammad Ahmed, addressed the protesters. He assured them that the budget for their pending salaries has been submitted and that the outstanding payments would be released soon, effectively calming the situation.
The Safai Karamcharis have expressed hope that this assurance will be honored promptly, allowing them to resume their duties without further financial strain.