Resident doctors in Rajasthan have raised serious concerns regarding the non-payment of House Rental Allowance (HRA) for the past three years and alleged discriminatory practices at Udaipur and Kota medical colleges. The Doctors Welfare Federation (DWF) has formally addressed these issues, urging immediate action from the state government.
Non-Payment of HRA Allowance to Non-Service Residents
According to the DWF, non-service resident doctors in all RAJMES-affiliated medical colleges have not received the mandated Rs 5,000 per month HRA since June 2023. This allowance is stipulated for residents not in government service and not provided hostel accommodation, as per the official government order. Despite this directive, the dues remain unpaid, leading to allegations of financial exploitation and violation of government orders.
Alleged Discriminatory Practices at Udaipur and Kota Medical Colleges
The DWF has also highlighted concerns about biased treatment towards resident students at Udaipur Medical College and Government Medical College Kota. Following the tragic death of Dr. Ravi Sharma at Udaipur Medical College, a strike was held by the resident students. While the protest period was adjusted as leave for students of Bikaner, Ajmer, and Jhalawar Medical Colleges, the same relief was not extended to students of Udaipur and Kota medical colleges. The DWF has condemned this disparity and called for equitable treatment of all resident students.
Call for Immediate Action
The DWF has urged the Rajasthan Medical Education Society (RAJMES) to ensure the immediate disbursement of all pending HRA allowances and to establish a system for regular and timely payments in the future. Additionally, the federation has requested the state government to issue directives to the college administrations to regularize the attendance of all resident students at Udaipur and Kota medical colleges. These developments underscore ongoing challenges faced by resident doctors in Rajasthan, highlighting the need for prompt and fair resolutions to ensure their rights and well-being.
