High Court Relief to PGI Doctors, Upholds their Pension

However, despite recommendations in their favour by the PGI governing body, headed by the Union Health Minister, the said doctors were denied the benefits of the General Provident Fund-cum-old pension scheme by the Central Government and were included in the new scheme which was a contributory provident fund plan having no element of pension.

Challenging the said government move, doctors went to CAT. The doctors argued that even though regular posts were advertised in 2003 before the new pension scheme came into effect, the delay in regular appointment by the PGI beyond January 1, 2004, came  because the PGI selection committee took time. Hence, the delay attributable to the PGI and of no fault of doctors.

The CAT noted that the doctors appointed assistant professors in the PGI against regular sanctioned posts possessed all qualifications and experience to be appointed on a regular basis and performed the same duties.

Allowing the plea, the CAT ruled that the initial date of appointment would be relevant for purposes of coverage under the old pension scheme. In the case in hand, the old pension scheme was in existence, reports Tribune.

The Union of India challenged the CAT decision in the high court. The bench also upheld the CAT order in favour of PGI Doctors