Only 4 of 10 posts reserved for open merit in GMC Doda, sparks outcry
Faculty Recruitment
Srinagar: A recent recruitment advertisement issued by the Government Medical College (GMC) Doda has sparked strong criticism from doctors, especially those from the general category, as only four seats have been earmarked for the Open Merit (OM) category, while the remaining six are reserved across other categories.
The notification, issued under Notice No. 17-GMCD of 2025 dated November 6, 2025, invites applications for 10 posts of Casualty Medical Officer on an academic arrangement basis under SO-364 of 2020.
Out of the ten advertised positions, only four have been allocated to the Open Merit (OM) category, while the remaining six posts are distributed among reserved categories, including Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Resident of Backward Area (RBA), Other Backward Class (OBC), and Economically Weaker Section (EWS). This distribution pattern has drawn objections from candidates who argue that such a reservation pattern limits fair competition. The recruitment advertisement remains open, with November 30, 2025, being the deadline for online applications.
The notification clarified that the post is initially for a period of 1 year, extendable up to a maximum of 6 years (1 year at a time and subject to good performance and contract) or till the selection is made in accordance with recruitment rules governing the respective posts, whichever is earlier. Further, the extension after 3 years shall be made on a year-to-year basis by the principal GMC Doda only after approval from the administrative department.”
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, Vice President, Jammu and Kashmir Chapter of All Indian Medical Students Association, has also criticized the government on his social media and 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.” A Casualty Medical Officer (CMO) is a doctor who provides immediate medical care to patients with acute injuries or emergencies in a hospital's casualty or emergency department.
