Over an interval exceeding two years, notwithstanding the prior approval by the Jammu and Kashmir Government, which endorsed distinctive financial incentives for the intrepid frontline healthcare warriors and ancillary staff directly immersed in the arduous task of combating the scourge of COVID in various health institutions of the Union Territory, the non-gazetted COVID warriors affiliated with the Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu find themselves still ensnared in the protracted wait for the fruition of these promised incentives. The flagrant disregard for an edict promulgated by the Health and Medical Education authorities in May 2021 has transmogrified into a situation of egregious concern, particularly concerning the non-gazetted cadre. These incentives were intended for disbursement during the peak of the pandemic period (spanning 3 months), commencing in May 2021. A staggering cohort of 686 employees, spanning both gazetted and non-gazetted realms, diligently submitted claims for the promised three-month incentive. However, while the remuneration of resident doctors and medical officers has been released, the non-gazetted contingent of Government Medical College Jammu, despite a litany of impassioned representations and assurances, finds itself ensnared in a protracted limbo, still awaiting the disbursement of their rightfully sanctioned incentives.
Compounding this administrative lapse is the perturbing reality of successive vicissitudes in the department’s upper echelons, with both the Commissioner Secretary and Principal roles undergoing transitions. The incumbent authorities, seemingly insouciant to temporal exigencies, have rekindled the disheartening saga by subjecting the list to another round of scrutiny. It is nothing short of alarming that more than two and a half years remain insufficient for the purportedly arduous task of verifying the claims of a mere five hundred employees. These indefatigable COVID warriors, who imperilled their very lives in the service of patients, were ostensibly accorded governmental favour in the form of sanctioned incentives. The obstinate delay in fulfilling this commitment casts a pall of disquietude over the motivations and priorities of the administrative machinery.
GMC Jammu, as the veritable epicentre of the COVID maelstrom in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, bore the brunt of the pandemic onslaught, with its employees exhibiting exceptional dedication in the crucible of their duties. It is imperative to duly recognise the unwavering dedication and myriad sacrifices made by these frontline warriors, who, despite grappling with practical impediments, have exhibited an unparalleled commitment to their arduous duties, often at the peril of their own lives. While their counterparts in other institutes have long since reaped the benefits of these incentives, the non-gazetted personnel of GMC Jammu find themselves tethered to a bureaucratic treadmill. The higher echelons of authority, ostensibly apprised of this persistent quagmire, have yet to wield their influence to resolve the issue expeditiously.
The stalwart COVID warriors, who selflessly served the populace during the acme of the crisis, are now relegated to a disconcerting odyssey, compelled to traverse the labyrinthine corridors of bureaucracy for the meagre incentives promised to them. The exigent call is for the apex authorities to cast their gaze upon this protracted imbroglio and, with an alacrity befitting the gravity of the situation, ensure the expeditious release of the long-awaited remuneration. The glaring incongruity of GMC Jammu employees being left in the lurch, while their counterparts in analogous health institutions have long savoured the fruits of their toil, brooks no excuse. Should fiscal constraints or requisite permissions prove to be stumbling blocks, it becomes imperative for the concerned authorities to accord celerity to the resolution of these impediments. It is incumbent upon the highest echelons of authority to dispense justice promptly, assuaging the palpable discontent and rendering due recompense to these undaunted COVID warriors. A timely redressal not only serves to validate their meritorious contributions but also stands as a testament to the government’s steadfast commitment to uplifting the morale and fortitude of these invaluable contributors to public health.
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