PGI medical technicians receive arrears after legal battle spanning decades
The finance ministry has approved the payment, correcting a significant pay anomaly that plagued their cadre for decades.
The PGI administration has issued office orders for restructuring of cadres of technical staff (Lab/X-rays/RT) with retrospective effect from March 1, 1992, in compliance with a 2013 judgment by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). The decision follows years of persistent efforts by the PGI Medical Technologists Association, headed by Ashwani Munjal.
This addresses a major anomaly. Previously, even after two promotions, medical technologists found themselves stuck in the same pay grade as their entry-level positions. "For instance, a BSc medical technology recruit starting at grade pay Rs 4,200 (pay level 6) would often retire in grade pay Rs 4,600 (pay level 7), with promotions to levels 1 and 2 offering no change in grade pay, and levels 3 and 4 also remaining within a single grade pay of Rs 4,600.
This rendered promotions largely meaningless in terms of financial benefit," said Munjal.
The journey to this resolution was fraught with legal challenges. "The corrected six-tier cadre restructuring, based on the Dr Prabhakar Committee/cadre restructuring report, will now allow technical staff to progress from grade pay Rs 4,200 up to Rs 7,600 as chief technical officer. This change is expected to benefit around 1,000 serving and 200 retired medical technicians," said Munjal.
The financial implications of this decision are estimated at around Rs 100 crore, including the impact on retirement benefits for those who are serving and retired. The next step involves initiating the process of conducting departmental promotion committee (DPC) meetings to formalise promotions under the new structure.
A longstanding demand
Beneficiaries: Over 2,000 serving and retired medical technicians at PGI Chandigarh
Amount Approved: Around Rs 100 crore in arrears
Reason: Correction of a pay anomaly that persisted for decades
Background & Legal Journey
Issue: Promotions did not result in meaningful financial upgrades
Example: A BSc recruit starting at grade pay Rs 4,200 often retired at Rs 4,600, despite multiple promotions
Legal milestone:
2013: Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) ruled in favor of restructuring
2025: Finance ministry finally approved the payment
Key advocate: PGI Medical Technologists Association, led by Ashwani Munjal
MSID:: 122281704 413 |
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