Chandigarh/ PGIMER Administration’s Proactive Intervention Leads to Resolution of Equal Work, Equal Pay Issue for Outsourced Workers in sanitation, catering and security services

Chandigarh : The administration of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER) has successfully resolved the longstanding issue of equal work, equal pay for outsourced workers in sanitation, catering, and security services. Through persistent efforts and proactive intervention with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, PGIMER has demonstrated its commitment to upholding labour standards and promoting equity in the workplace.

Prof. Vivek Lal, Director of PGIMER, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating, “At PGIMER, we prioritize the well-being and fair treatment of all our workers. Our administration’s persistent and proactive intervention with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare paved the way for the resolution of the longstanding issue of equal work, equal pay for outsourced workers in sanitation, catering, and security services.”

The resolution comes following a communication from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare regarding the CM-3641-2020-PGIMER Vs U01 & Others case, marked as CACLB. PGIMER’s detailed financial analysis, estimating the financial implications of providing facilities to outsourced workers equivalent to those of the lowest-paid regular workers, played a crucial role in the resolution process. The financial implication was ascertained at approximately Rs. 46 crore (based on prevailing DC rates, UT Chandigarh) from October 2018 to January 2024.
The approval received from the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, further validates PGIMER’s adherence to regulatory frameworks. With no objections raised by the Department of Expenditure, PGIMER is now prepared to proceed with the implementation of measures outlined in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s proposal. This resolution underscores PGIMER’s commitment to equitable treatment of all workers.

The PGI administration including Prof Vivek Lal, Director PGI, Mr Pankaj Rai, Dy Director Admn, Prof Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent and Mr Varun Ahluwalia Financial Advisor have congratulated the workers on this unprecedented development.