Ahmedabad: After organizing a 'Maha Rally' on December 4th to press for their long-pending demands, the doctors of Gujarat Medical Teachers Association (GMTA), the faculty members from six government colleges, and eight Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society (GMERS) colleges have now decided to go on infinite strike from December 13th.
The doctors started their agitation after the government denied to fulfill their demands of higher non-practicing allowance in line with the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations. Moreover, the doctors also protested against the recently implemented salary cut initiated by the government. GMTA took out rallies in different cities of the state on 4th December.
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Gujarat Medical Teachers Association (GMTA) represents professors and lecturers of the six government medical colleges. Previously reported that the Vijay Rupani government had assured doctors that their demands would be met after which the doctors withdrew their previous state-wide agitation. However, the latest notification by the government on Non-Practicing Allowance on Monday had made it clear that these demands would not be met by the present government. The doctors are also facing problems with their DA, promotion, and recruitment of permanent faculty members.
As per GMTA, the notification stated how the government is going to start recovering all the amount that it previously sanctioned. In 2012 government stated that Rs 85000 is going to be the upper celling our pay. The state government can't touch the basic pay or NPA. Hence, they decided to give the financial allowances in form of personal pay. Now the government hasordered to even make the recovery of that amount.
Dr. Rajnish Patel, President of GMTA told , " We have left no stones unturned to approach the authorities with our demands but since we received no positive response, we have decided to go on infinite strike from 13th December." Being questioned on the availability of emergency services, the doctor stated, " We have not decided the specifics of the strike yet, we will hold a meeting on Friday and plan the strike. However, this time we will not be appeased by empty promises, we will need written assurances and proper steps on the issue."
" Government should stop the appointment of doctors and health workers on a contractual basis and give them permanent employment or hire on ad hoc basis. Also, authorities should maintain a set of rules to ensure promotion in a timely manner. These and other demands should be immediately met by the government", added the doctor.