Hospitals order staff, students to identify and label lockers by mid-Nov
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: Days after an AK-47 rifle was recovered from a locker inside Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, authorities across major medical institutions in Jammu and Kashmir have moved swiftly to tighten regulations around the use of personal lockers and almirahs.
In back-to-back circulars, the administrations of GMC Srinagar and GMC Anantnag have directed all faculty members, paramedical staff, and students to personally identify and label their lockers with their name, designation, and code. The move is aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing any potential misuse of unclaimed storage spaces within hospital premises.
According to the circular issued by the Administrator of Associated Hospitals, GMC Srinagar, the identification process must be completed by November 14, 2025. After this date, Medical Superintendents, Resident Medical Officers (RMOs), and the Estates-cum-Transport Officer will inspect and remove all surplus or unidentified lockers occupying space in hospital corridors and buildings.
“No chance will be given to any employee to have any claim on the lockers that will not be identified after the specified period,” the circular warned. It further directed that no LPC, NOC, or service book shall be issued to any employee being transferred unless their locker has been properly handed over.
A similar order issued by the Medical Superintendent of GMC Anantnag instructed all Heads of Departments (HODs) to identify the lockers and almirahs in their departments and display the names of the staff members to whom they are allotted. Any locker or almirah not owned by anyone must be immediately reported to the authorities.
The administrative crackdown comes in the wake of a major security scare at GMC Anantnag, where an AK-47 rifle was reportedly recovered from a staff locker, prompting an investigation by law enforcement agencies.
Officials said the latest directions are part of an institutional effort to strengthen internal security, ensure proper space utilization, and prevent unauthorized use of hospital infrastructure. The move is expected to be replicated in other government hospitals across the Union Territory in the coming weeks.
