IGMC Shimla Faculty Warns Government: Restore NPA or Face Protest

The State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT) at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, has demanded the immediate restoration of the Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) for all faculty members, transparency and adherence to seniority in administrative promotions, and the cancellation of any irregular service extensions. The association has also urged the government to withdraw the proposal to shift the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from Kamla Nehru Hospital to IGMC.

The association warned that if these demands are not met, faculty members will collectively resign from administrative posts, launch protests, and pursue legal action.

SAMDCOT stated that the government’s decision to withdraw NPA has triggered an exodus of qualified teachers to premier institutions such as AIIMS, PGI Chandigarh, and private hospitals. The association pointed out that while teachers appointed through the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission are being denied NPA, those promoted through Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) continue to receive it. “This discriminatory policy has demoralized competent professionals, driving them to seek opportunities elsewhere,” it said.

“The government is recruiting medical officers at a meagre salary of ₹36,000 per month,” the association added. “This is not only humiliating but also discourages young doctors from serving in the state’s public healthcare system.”

The association further alleged that the appointment of principals in various medical colleges has been carried out in a non-transparent manner. “Seniority has been blatantly ignored, and a few individuals have been arbitrarily granted service extensions,” SAMDCOT said, adding that the government had repeatedly assured that such individuals would not be given administrative powers.