While central government employees across the country eagerly await the implementation of the Eighth Pay Commission’s recommendations, the Sukhu government of Himachal Pradesh has opened a coffers of cash for select employees of its state. In a major move, the state government has approved a massive 78% increase in the monthly salaries of medical officials. This historic decision has sparked a wave of joy among those involved in government healthcare services.
Salary of specialist doctors increased from Rs 33,600 to Rs 60,000
According to senior state officials, the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh this week increased the monthly salaries of contract and trainee medical officers (specialists) by 78% under the 7th Pay Commission rules. An official statement issued by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu’s government clarified that the main objective of this major decision is to encourage specialist doctors to serve in government healthcare institutions, ensuring access to quality and accessible healthcare for people in remote and hilly areas of the state.
With this significant increase, the monthly salary of these contract and trainee medical officers (specialists) has now risen from ₹33,600 to ₹60,000 per month. Significantly, based on the recommendations of the Sixth CPC, their salary was also increased from ₹27,000 to ₹33,660 in 2022, and this is the second largest increase these doctors are receiving.
There has also been a significant increase in the stipends of medical students and the salaries of residents.
According to an ANI report, the government not only increased the salaries of specialist doctors, but also significantly increased the monthly stipends of postgraduate (PG) medical students studying in government medical colleges. Under the rules, the stipend for first-year PG students was increased from ₹40,000 to ₹50,000. For second-year PG students, it was increased from ₹45,000 to ₹60,000, and for third-year PG students, it was increased from ₹50,000 to ₹65,000.
Additionally, the monthly stipend for senior residents and tutor specialists, which previously ranged from ₹60,000 to ₹65,000, has now been increased to ₹100,000. The stipend for super specialists and senior residents (super specialists) has also been increased from ₹60,000 to ₹130,000, a significant relief for the medical community.
Government’s big step for DA, arrears and pensioners too
It should be noted that recently in June, the Himachal Pradesh government announced that it was seriously reviewing the dearness allowance (DA) of the state’s regular employees and pensioners, as well as pending arrears. The Chief Minister’s bold stance came after reviewing the state’s financial situation at a high-level meeting of the Finance Department.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, calling government employees the backbone of the state, has assured them that the government will provide adequate funds to pay pending arrears. Following the Chief Minister’s strict instructions, the Finance Department has been asked to withdraw the notice that called for salary deferrals. Sukhu has also directed the department to expedite the release of pending pension arrears for all senior pensioners between the ages of 65 and 70, which will be paid within the next month.