Government seems unwilling to accept doctors’ demand of modified ACP structure

Even as the doctors’ strike under the banner of Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) entered the fourth day on Thursday, the BJP government in Haryana seems to be in no mood to accept the demand of implementation of the modified Assured Career Progression (ACP) scheme of the protesting doctors.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday made it clear that the government had already accepted three of the four demands raised by the doctors, making it clear that the fourth demand of implementing the modified ACP scheme was “not possible” at present. Sources in the government claimed if it is accepted, it will get a chain reaction of other departments.

Doctors had four major demands, three of which have already been accepted by the government. The Finance Department issued a notification on August 16, 2024, regarding the creation of a specialised cadre for doctors. Another notification was issued on October 25, 2024, approving travel allowance for doctors required to work outside hospital premises. Government has halted the direct recruitment of SMOs. Systems in other states are being studied and the suspension will remain in place until the final report is received. Their fourth demand, related to changes in the ACP structure, has not been accepted.

However, the CM urged doctors to immediately return to duty to prevent further inconvenience to the public, but the doctors are firm on their stand not to resume duties till the fulfilment of their demands.

In response to the escalating standoff, the Haryana Government invoked the Haryana Essential Services Maintenance Act (HESMA), 1974, declaring the doctors’ strike illegal for six months. Besides, notices have been issued to probationary doctors for participating in the strike in different districts. They have been asked to submit replies and join the duty with immediate effect. To maintain essential healthcare services during the work stoppage, District Magistrates in several districts have invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, issuing prohibitory orders to prevent disruptions.

Even though these stringent steps have been taken by the government, the standoff continues and doctors did not resume duties.

However, the HCMSA argued that although an agreement was reached to end direct SMO recruitment on December 5, no positive decision was taken on the modified ACP scheme. The revised ACP proposes grade pay of Rs 6,600 at five years, Rs 8,000 at 10 years, and Rs 9,500 at 15 years. A 2024 assessment by the Finance Department estimated an additional annual burden of Rs 9.75 crore on the state exchequer if implemented. Currently, government doctors receive grade pay of Rs 7,600 after 10 years and Rs 8,700 after 15 years, said an official.

Dr Rajesh Khyalia, president HCMSA, has begun an indefinite hunger strike outside the Directorate of Health Services in Panchkula from Wednesday. He said that both key issues — ending direct SMO recruitment and notifying the revised ACP — had been “pending for 16 months” despite repeated representations and the government’s earlier approval. “Government had accepted the demands last year but not implemented them,” he said.

However, the Health Department has also mobillised staff from multiple departments to keep hospitals operational. Health services remain strained. While OPDs continue to function in most District Civil Hospitals, CHCs, and PHCs, critical services — including ultrasound, CT scan reporting, surgeries, and medico-legal work — are severely affected.