KGMCTA Organizes Candlelight Demonstration to Address Long-Pending Demands
Overview of the Protest
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA) held a candlelight demonstration to emphasize its ongoing demands from the government. The association has been on strike since July 1, 2025, advocating for the release of overdue salary payments and addressing various unresolved issues.
Key Demands of KGMCTA
The KGMCTA’s demands encompass a full settlement of salary arrears, the establishment of adequate doctor positions to meet patient needs, adjustments to the promotion timeline according to National Medical Commission (NMC) standards, enhancements to basic facilities and treatment arrangements, payment of dearness allowance (DA) arrears, resolution of pension ceiling matters, and improvements in workplace safety.
Candlelight Protest Details
In a press release, KGMCTA highlighted that, although there has been some correction in the salary gap for entry-level positions, significant demands, particularly regarding salary arrears, remain unaddressed by the government. The candlelight protests occurred on February 11, 2026, across all government medical colleges, with the main event taking place at Trivandrum Medical College, led by State President Dr. Rosenara Beegum T. Approximately 100 individuals, including doctors, students, and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) members, participated, with other medical college units also holding similar protests led by their office bearers.
Ongoing Strike and Future Actions
The ongoing strike continues with various forms of protest, including chattapadi struggle, non-cooperation, and relay satyagraha. The relay satyagraha at Trivandrum Medical College has reached its 15th day. If no favorable resolution is achieved, an indefinite boycott of teaching and outpatient services will commence on February 16. Non-emergency surgeries and procedures will be halted starting February 19, with university exam work set to be boycotted from February 26.
Essential Services and Public Appeal
KGMCTA has specified that essential services such as casualty, labor room, ICU, inpatient treatment, emergency surgeries, and post-mortem examinations will remain operational during the strike. The association expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to patients and appealed for public cooperation.
Future Protests and Intensification of Actions
Previously, Medic Helpline reported that KGMCTA had resolved to escalate its ongoing protests beginning February 16, focusing on unresolved demands, including corrections to pay revision anomalies. The association planned to initiate an indefinite boycott of outpatient services alongside a suspension of academic activities. The revised protest schedule was announced following a decision by KGMCTA’s Central Executive Committee on February 9, 2026.