Recruitment Controversy at GMC Doda

Overview of Recruitment Advertisement

Srinagar: A recent recruitment announcement from the Government Medical College (GMC) Doda has incited significant backlash from the medical community, particularly among doctors belonging to the general category. The advertisement has allocated only four positions for the Open Merit (OM) category, with the remaining six positions reserved for various other categories.

Details of the Notification

The notification, identified as Notice No. 17-GMCD of 2025 and dated November 6, 2025, calls for applications for ten posts of Casualty Medical Officer on an academic arrangement basis under SO-364 of 2020. Out of the ten available positions, only four are designated for the Open Merit (OM) category, while the remaining six posts are set aside for reserved categories, including Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Resident of Backward Area (RBA), Other Backward Class (OBC), and Economically Weaker Section (EWS). This allocation has raised concerns among candidates who believe it undermines fair competition.

Application Process and Terms of Employment

The recruitment advertisement is currently open for applications, with the deadline set for November 30, 2025. The notification specifies that the positions are initially for a duration of one year, which may be extended for a maximum of six years (one year at a time, contingent on satisfactory performance and contract terms) or until a selection is made according to the recruitment rules. Extensions after three years will be granted on a yearly basis at the discretion of the principal of GMC Doda, pending approval from the administrative department.

Reactions from Medical Community

Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan, Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir Chapter of the All India Medical Students Association, has publicly criticized the government’s stance on social media. He stated, “This isn’t about ‘OPEN MERIT’ anymore; it’s a full-blown onslaught on the general category. I stand with those who are being unfairly targeted for voicing their views on the reservation policy. Filing an FIR under the SC/ST Act for expressing an opinion is a misuse of the Law. Urging Police to act fairly.”

Role of Casualty Medical Officers

A Casualty Medical Officer (CMO) is a medical professional responsible for providing immediate care to patients experiencing acute injuries or emergencies in a hospital’s casualty or emergency department.