PGI contract staff warn of indefinite hunger strike over pending arrears

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 4

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) contract workers has announced plans to intensify its agitation, warning that an indefinite hunger strike may be launched on December 5 in protest against alleged indifference from the administration.

On the 21st day of the 24-hour chain hunger strike, hospital attendant Paramjeet Kaur and sanitary attendant Asha began their 24-hour hunger strike at 2 pm in the PGIMER residential complex. Earlier, Gurjeet Singh and Manohar Lal, both bearers from the kitchen staff, ended their fast after being offered juice at 2 pm.

According to the JAC, PGIMER Director Dr Vivek Lal had on August 12 assured them that arrears amounting to Rs 55 crore, pending since January 13 under the Government of India notification dated July 30, would be processed. However, the file has allegedly been “gathering dust” in the DPGI office for the past three months and has not yet been forwarded to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for release of funds.

The JAC has held the Director solely responsible for any disruption of services at PGI, alleging that he has “failed to discharge his legal and moral duty” as the head of the institute since May 2022.

It also criticised the UT Administration and the police for not taking action under Sections 6(2) and 7(1) of the Haryana ESMA, 1974, to register a criminal case against the PGI administration.

Amid rising tensions, the JAC has informed the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court about the “volatile situation” unfolding at PGIMER.