PGI Chandigarh Contract Workers Get Relief with Wage Hike Approval

Chandigarh  In a major relief for thousands of contractual employees, PGI Chandigarh has approved the long-awaited Same Wage Policy for over 3,500 outsourced workers. This decision will directly impact ground level staff including sanitation workers, security guards, housekeeping staff, and other outsourced personnel who have been demanding fair pay for years.

The announcement has brought a wave of happiness among workers who have long been demanding wage parity with regular employees. With the implementation of this policy, their monthly salaries are expected to rise by as much as ₹7,000, depending on the category of work. The move also includes the release of pending arrears amounting to approximately ₹50 crore.

These arrears are to be paid for the duration during which these employees were already working but were not being compensated as per the standard wage structure. PGI officials stated that the payment of arrears will begin in phases, and the entire disbursement process is expected to be completed in the coming months.

Many of the contractual employees had been earning significantly lower wages despite performing duties similar to permanent staff. Some of them had not received any significant hike for years. The disparity had been a matter of concern, leading to occasional protests and repeated requests to the administration.

This decision by the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) comes after consistent pressure from employee unions and legal follow ups. The administration reviewed the current wage structure and finally decided to align it with fair wage practices.

An official from the PGI administration remarked, We understand the critical role that contractual staff play in the functioning of PGI. It is only fair that they are compensated justly. This policy is not only about financial upliftment, but also about ensuring dignity of work.

Worker unions welcomed the announcement but also stressed that proper and timely implementation is essential. A representative of the contractual staff said, “We thank the administration for accepting our long-standing demand. Now we expect the wages and arrears to be disbursed without delay. We have waited long enough.”

The move is expected to improve staff morale and efficiency in the institute, which has been one of India’s premier medical facilities. PGI caters to patients from across northern India, and the role of support staff in maintaining hospital standards is crucial.

Experts believe this step may also prompt other major government and semi-government institutions to follow suit. With rising inflation and growing demands on healthcare infrastructure, ensuring just pay for all employees permanent or temporary  is a timely and welcome step.