No decision on DACP scheme for doctors

Neena Sharma

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11

The absence of the Health Minister from the Cabinet meeting yesterday has affected the interests of government doctors who were eagerly awaiting the implementation of the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme.

As reported earlier, certain sections in the government are not in favour of the DACP and have made their displeasure known time and again. There is a general feeling that the government is already giving adequate salaries and allowances to the government doctors so as to compensate them for not implementing DACP in the state. “The doctors are financially and career-wise being adequately compensated by the government by way of 25 per cent Non Practising Allowance (NPA), 20 per cent hill allowance. The medical officer’s salary on entering the government job is equivalent to that of a subdivisional magistrate. If along with these existing benefits, DACP as demanded by the doctors too is extended, it would distort the working conditions and salary pattern of the government staff,” said a senior official.

In addition to the 20 per cent hill allowance, the doctors on hill postings are also eligible for HRA. Further in lieu of DACP, another scheme Assured Career Progression (ACP) under which promotions are given after 10, 16 and 26 years is being implemented for all the government employees, including the doctors. But doctors are demanding benefits under DACP, specially framed by the Tickoo committee and already effective in several states. Under DACP the doctors will receive benefit of promotions after four, nine, 13 and 20 years of service.

Review officers express gratitude

Dehradun, February 11
The Uttarakhand Secretariat Review officers Association has thanked the Chief Minister Harish Rawat and his Cabinet members for approving the creation of 13 departments in the state secretariat. The approval was given at the Cabinet meeting yesterday. “Our pending demand has been met which will help us unburden our workload and bring efficiency in the secretariat,” said Deepak Joshi, president of the association.
The members also held a meeting today and appreciated the government for accepting their demand and pledged to re-dedicate themselves for the welfare of the people.  — TNS