Thousands of contract employees working at Chandigarh’s PGI (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) have finally received the news they were hoping for: a significant salary hike along with 19 months of pending arrears.
Let’s break down this major update that impacts over 3,500 staff members—including sanitation workers, attendants, and security guards.
What’s Changed: Salary Increased by ₹7,000/month
The Central Government has approved the long-awaited demand for implementing the Same & Similar Wage policy for PGI contract staff.
Here’s what the new monthly salary will look like:
| Staff Category | Old Salary (Approx) | New Salary (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Staff | ₹20,000 | ₹27,000 |
| Security Guards | ₹21,000 | ₹28,000 |
| Patient Attendants | ₹19,000 | ₹26,000 |
This hike is effective from January 2024, which means all eligible staff will receive 19 months of arrears — potentially up to ₹28,000 directly in their account, depending on role and tenure.
A separate ₹50 crore fund will be released to cover the pending amount, while PGI will handle an additional monthly wage burden of approximately ₹3 crore.
Why This Matters: Years of Waiting Finally Paid Off
This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about long-overdue recognition of the people who keep India’s top medical institute running.
Back in December 2024, the PGI administration submitted a petition to the Central Advisory Contract Labor Board (CACLB), requesting an extension of their previous exemption (which expired in 2020). After back-and-forth discussions and pressure from worker unions like the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and the Joint Action Committee (JAC), the issue finally reached the Union Law Ministry.
The result? A historic decision was made on July 16, ensuring wage parity for thousands of underpaid heroes.
Update from Uttar Pradesh: ARP & SRG Allowance Hike After 6 Years
In another employee-friendly move, the Uttar Pradesh government has raised monthly allowances for teachers serving as Academic Resource Persons (ARP) and State Resource Group (SRG) members.
Here’s how the allowance is changing:
| Role | Previous Allowance | New Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| ARP & SRG | ₹2,500 | ₹4,500 |
| Diet Mentor | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 |
| TLM Support | ₹0 | ₹500 |
These teachers play a vital role in ensuring quality education and guiding innovations in government schools. After a 6-year gap, this increase recognizes their dedication and rising travel costs.
Final Word: A Win for the Working Class
From PGI hospital workers in Chandigarh to school mentors in UP, these updates reflect a growing awareness of the need to respect and fairly compensate those who form the backbone of public services.