Chhattisgarh Government Increases Stipend for Junior Doctors in Response to Long-standing Demands

Raipur- Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced a significant stipend increase for junior doctors in the state, a decision after long-standing demands and strikes by the Junior Doctors’ Association (JUDA). MBBS students will now receive ₹15,900 per month, up from ₹12,600, while first-year postgraduate (PG) students will see their stipend rise to ₹67,500 per month from the current ₹53,550.

The second-year PG students’ stipend will be raised to ₹71,450 monthly from ₹56,700, and third-year PG students will now receive ₹74,600 per month, as compared to the previous ₹59,220. The medical community is welcoming this move by the government.

Chaudhary, former president of JUDA, acknowledged the increase but also highlighted that the government should have considered raising the salary of those under the rural service bond after completing their post-graduation. The state’s policy mandates that medical graduates work at public health facilities for two years after completing their undergraduate courses and another two years after post-graduation. Refusal to comply incurs penalties of ₹25 lahks for undergraduates and ₹50 lahks for PGs.

While JUDA had sought a reduction in the bond period, this still needs to be implemented. Chaudhary emphasized the disparity between post-PG bond doctors receiving ₹55,000 per month and third-year PG students who will now receive ₹74,600 after the hike. The government, he noted, should have addressed this discrepancy.

The move is seen as a positive step toward acknowledging and supporting the efforts of junior doctors in Chhattisgarh’s medical community.