GMC Sgr, Jmu face delay in implementation of 3-tier faculty system

Srinagar, June 13: The two oldest medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar and GMC Jammu continue to face delays in implementing the three-tier faculty system, stalling promotions and fresh recruitment for the past two years.
J&K had a four-tier faculty system, comprising Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor, unlike the three-tier system followed in the rest of India, which consists of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor.
Faculty members of the medical colleges said after years of pursuing the case, the Jammu and Kashmir Govt. finally agreed to change the four-tier system of faculty into a three-tier system in both the medical and dental colleges across Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that the Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department had also agreed to implement the three-tier system of faculty in two phases in view of the financial burden.
“The first phase of the 3 tier system was implemented last year where in the Lecturer posts were abolished and the posts were re-designated as Assistant Professors,” he said.
The three-tier system was aimed to establish a balanced hierarchy-with more positions at the lower level and fewer at the top-to support faculty career growth, enhance patient care, and increase the intake of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
“We request the govt. to issue formal orders for implementation of 2nd phase of the 3 tier system so that more posts are created in Associate professor and Professor categories,” the doctor said.
They said that once implemented it will address the issue of faculty stagnation and pave the way for the recruitment of new faculty by J&KPSC which is also withheld for the want of 2nd phase of 3 tier system for the last two years.
Meanwhile, the Medical Faculty Association, GMC Srinagar has demanded for complete implementation of the three-tier faculty structure. The Association has written a letter to Secretary Health & Medical Education Department, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah
“The core objectives of the 3-Tier Faculty Structure, which include enabling career progression for faculty members, enhancing patient care, and increasing the intake of undergraduate and postgraduate students, can only be realized through its comprehensive implementation,” the association said.
It said that a balanced faculty hierarchy, with equitable opportunities for growth across all tiers, is crucial for addressing the growing demands of patient care and medical education.
“By upgrading the posts of Professors and Associate Professors, we can ensure that the institution is equipped to meet national standards in medical teaching and healthcare delivery,” the association said.
Faculty members also said due to the delay in three tier faculty system implementation, there has been no fresh recruitment in medical colleges despite the faculty shortage.
“Many eligible candidates are nearing the upper age limit for recruitment, and some have already crossed it, resulting in a brain drain,” the faculty member added.