SC/ST employees on strike at AIIMS Rishikesh: Bhim Army chief makes this demand regarding disregard of reservation rules in promotions

Chandrashekhar Azad writes letter to JP Nadda

New Delhi – Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad has written to Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda, alleging serious disregard of reservation rules in the promotion of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe employees at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh. In the letter, he has demanded a review of the flawed DPC order issued on October 10, the holding of a review DPC, and accountability of the concerned officials.

According to the letter, SC/ST employees working at AIIMS Rishikesh have complained about the blatant disregard of reservation rules, previous instructions of the Ministry, the ‘Own Merit’ principle, and the reservation roster in the promotion process. The employees have objected to the DPC order of October 10. On October 11th, they submitted a letter of dissent, but since the administration has not taken any positive action, the employees have been on a peaceful strike under the banner of the All SC/ST Employees Welfare Association since October 12th.

Azad stated that on October 13th, he spoke to the employees via video conferencing and assured them of the protection of their constitutional rights. He stated that this type of strike by employees at a medical institution of national importance is an administrative failure and is impacting health services.

Azad had previously intervened in the matter. On December 16th, 2025, he submitted a representation to the Parliamentary Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Following this, the Lok Sabha Secretariat, through Office Memorandum No. 8 (2)/SCTC/2026 (dated January 22nd), directed the Ministry of Health and AIIMS Rishikesh to investigate the complaints and submit a report by January 30th, 2026. According to the employees, the Ministry also issued directives in this regard on March 10, but it is unclear what action the AIIMS administration has taken on them. The employees have also raised this issue with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).

Azad requested the Minister to direct the concerned officials to ensure action on the following points:

1. An impartial review of the October 10 DPC order should be conducted based on applicable rules and available records. The action taken by AIIMS Rishikesh and the status of compliance with the Ministry’s March 10 directives should be clarified and a compliance report should be sought.
2. A review of the previous DPC and reservation roster should be conducted, as required, in accordance with DoPT guidelines.
3. The correct application of the ‘Own Merit’ principle regarding reservation in promotions should be ensured, and its criteria and records should be examined.
4. The complaints, responses, instructions, and compliance reports (ATRs) submitted before the Parliamentary Committee, NCSC, and NCST should be reviewed.
5. The impact of relevant judicial orders and pending court cases should be examined before issuing the DPC order.
6. The role of the current Director, Deputy Director, AO, and JAO in denying reservation in promotions despite clear instructions from the Ministry, alleged irregularities in the October 10 DPC, and secret joinings should be investigated. The role and responsibilities of the Liaison Officer in the reservation roster and DPC process should also be reviewed.
7. The competent authority should provide a written, reasoned, and timely decision on the dissent representations submitted by employees on October 11.
8. An immediate formal meeting should be held between the AIIMS administration and authorized representatives of the Association.
9. A clear timeline should be set for resolving the matter, and the employees and the Association should be informed in writing of the action taken.

Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad stated in the letter that, given the seriousness of this issue, necessary instructions should be issued to the concerned officials to ensure a fair and timely resolution of the current dispute, including the complaints raised earlier, and to ensure the protection of the constitutional and service rights of SC/ST employees.

Geetha Sunil Pillai

Courtesy: Hindi News