Committee Submits Report on Additional Pay in Health Deptt; Divergence Emerges Over Coverage | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: A high-level committee constituted by the Health and Medical Education Department has submitted its report to the government recommending categories eligible for grant of two-and-a-half days additional pay and allowances to non-gazetted employees, while raising key concerns over financial implications.

The committee, constituted vide Government Order No. 144-JK(HME) of 2026 dated March 11 examined the issue of granting additional pay to employees engaged in roster duties on Sundays and holidays in government health institutions. It included the Principal GMC Jammu (Chairman), Directors of Health Services Jammu and Kashmir, and Chief Accounts Officer GMC Rajouri.

Sources said that during deliberations, some members favoured extending the benefit beyond existing categories such as nursing staff, pharmacists, and technical units, arguing that several non-clinical and support staff also contribute to round-the-clock functioning of hospitals.

However, the Financial Advisor of GMC Rajouri cautioned against indiscriminate inclusion, warning that expanding the benefit to additional categories could lead to significant recurring expenditure and long-term fiscal stress. He advocated restricting the benefit to staff directly involved in patient care and emergency services.

The divergence within the panel became evident over inclusion of categories like medical records staff, hostel management personnel and other ancillary services, with differing views on their eligibility for additional financial benefits.

The Financial Advisor emphasized that the provision is compensatory in nature, intended to ensure uninterrupted patient care during holidays, and should apply only to those mandatorily deployed in essential services. He also warned that broad inclusion could set an administrative precedent, triggering similar demands across departments and impacting financial discipline.

Sources said the government is likely to examine the recommendations from both administrative and financial perspectives before taking a final decision. (KNC)