Srinagar, Sep 24: The Jammu and Kashmir government has admitted that around 5,753 Dental Surgeons are registered as unemployed in the Union Territory, even as it refuted claims that no recruitment drive has been undertaken since 2008.
In a written reply to a starred question by MLA Shamim Firdous in the Legislative Assembly, the Health & Medical Education Department as per Kashmir Convener stated that while the unemployment figure is factually accurate, the assertion regarding a complete halt in recruitment is “not factually established.”
“It is submitted that, as per the available records, approximately 5,753 Dental Surgeons are registered as unemployed in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. However, the statement that no recruitment process/drive for Dental Surgeons has been initiated or undertaken since 2008 is not factually established,” the reply read.
The government categorically denied the existence of 48 vacant posts of Dental Surgeons at the Government Dental College & Hospital (GDC), Srinagar. It stated that no post of Dental Surgeon has been sanctioned specifically for the institution.
“Accordingly, the question of 48 vacant posts of Dental Surgeons against a sanctioned strength of 62 posts in the said institution does not arise,” the document stated.
Refuting allegations that infrastructure at GDC Srinagar has not been upgraded since 2010, the government listed major projects completed or currently underway.
According to the data tabled, a Library Block has been constructed at a cost of Rs 478.84 lakh, while a Fire Fighting System was installed at Rs 281.00 lakh. An Effluent Treatment Plant was established at Rs 164.05 lakh, and a CCTV Surveillance system was installed at Rs 185.00 lakh.
The government also noted that the construction of an Additional Block (Phase I & II) is underway. While Phase I is complete at a cost of Rs 734.71 lakh, Phase II is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 at an estimated cost of Rs 419.85 lakh.
“These measures reflect the continuous efforts of the Government to strengthen and modernize the infrastructure of Government Dental College & Hospital, Srinagar,” the reply stated.
When asked if the government intends to initiate a special recruitment drive to fill available vacancies in a time-bound manner, the government reiterated that no posts are specifically sanctioned for GDC Srinagar.
“Any recruitment drive, including a special recruitment drive, can therefore be undertaken only against duly sanctioned posts/vacancies and in accordance with the applicable rules and administrative approvals,” the government stated.
It added that the requirement of Dental Surgeons in government health institutions is assessed from time to time based on sanctioned posts, patient load, and functional requirements.
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