Rural docs allege disparity in salary

Jalandhar, January 7

Over 800 Rural Medical Officers (RMOs) posted at subsidiary health centres, covering approximately 12,000 villages of the state, are up in arms against the alleged discrimination meted out to them by the government by not extending benefits of the Dynamic Assured Career Progression Scheme (DACPS).

The RMOs working in remote villages under the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj work under tougher working conditions as compared to doctors posted in urban areas.

Dr Rohit Sharma and Dr Harmit Singh, vice-president and state executive member of the Rural Medical Services Association, respectively, said they had been left out when it came to grant of benefits to them under the DACPS, which translated into assured increase in their grade pay after every four, nine, 13 and 20 years of service.

The RMOs were getting around Rs 6,000-Rs 7,000 lesser as compared to doctors having same qualifications, length of service and similar experience working in urban areas.

Anurag Verma, Principal Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Panchayats, said none of the RMOs or their organisations ever took up this issue with him. Jaskaran Singh, Director, Rural Development and Panchayats, too, said the RMOs never brought anomalies, if any, to his notice. — TNS