Doctors allege bureaucratic hurdle to career progression despite CM, minister’s approval

With government doctors in Haryana firm on their call for mass casual leave on December 8 and 9, the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) has alleged that while Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Health Minister Arti Singh Rao have agreed to their demand for a modified Assured Career Progression (ACP) scheme, bureaucratic resistance is blocking the decision.

Speaking to ‘The Tribune’, HCMSA president Dr Rajesh Khyalia said, “Despite strong political commitment, demand for a modified ACP structure couldn’t be resolved. It happened due to bureaucratic hurdles, and we were denied.”

He added, “CM Nayab Saini had approved for ACP modification in July 2024, as per minutes on file. It allows grade pay of Rs 6,600 at five years, Rs 8,000 at 10 years and Rs 9,500 at 15 years. The Finance Department had then calculated that it would burden the exchequer by a mere Rs 9.75 crore per annum. Even Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has agreed to our demand, but not the bureaucrats.”

At present, government doctors receive a grade pay of Rs 7,600 after 10 years and Rs 8,700 after 15 years.

The State Action Committee of doctors held several rounds of negotiations with the government on December 5. The first meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi at 2 pm, followed by consultations with the Chief Principal Secretary to the CM, Rajesh Khullar. Subsequently, two to three rounds of discussions took place with Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Sudhir Rajpal.

“He told us that the government is not agreeing to the modified ACP,” Dr Khyalia said.

However, the government has accepted another major demand — that there be no direct recruitment to the post of Senior Medical Officer (SMO).

“We put the argument that the majority of the states in India do not have direct SMO recruitment, so it should be stopped in Haryana too. The government agreed to it and told us that the process for amendment in service rules will be initiated soon,” he added.

The association said it remains open to further talks despite the scheduled mass casual leave. But if no agreement is reached, it will proceed on an indefinite strike from December 10.