Odisha announces salary hike for contractual faculty in Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic Colleges

Bhubaneshwar: The Odisha government has approved a significant increase in salaries for contractual teaching staff working in Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic medical colleges, in a move aimed at strengthening AYUSH education across the state.  

The decision taken by the Health and Family Welfare Department is expected to benefit lecturers, readers and professors' appointments on a contractual basis in government institutions. The revision is expected to address long-standing concerns over low pay and enhance the overall academic environment in these colleges, according to Odisha TV. 

As per the revised structure, lecturers will now be paid Rs 70,000 per month. Readers will be paid Rs 80,000, a significant rise from their earlier salary of Rs 40,000. Professors will see their monthly remuneration increased to Rs 1,00,000 from Rs 50,000, effectively doubling their previous pay.

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The proposal has also received clearance from the Finance Department, underlining the state government’s continued focus on strengthening teaching standards and ensuring fair and competitive compensation for educators in the AYUSH sector.

Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi personally approved the salary hike, highlighting the government’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of educators and strengthening the overall healthcare education system. Health Minister Shri Mukesh Mahaling also welcomed the move, stating that the decision would significantly contribute to enhancing academic excellence, reports Pragativadi.

He further noted that better pay and improved working conditions are likely to motivate faculty members to actively engage in research, innovation, and advanced training activities, thereby elevating the standard of education in Ayurvedic and Homeopathic colleges across the state.

The move comes in the backdrop of protests staged by AYUSH practitioners in Bhubaneswar in December last year. During these demonstrations, doctors and teaching staff had raised concerns over issues such as job insecurity, lack of regularisation, and comparatively low salaries.

They argued that these challenges were adversely affecting their morale, productivity, and the overall quality of healthcare services being delivered. The protests had drawn attention to the need for urgent reforms in the sector.

Officials stated that the latest decision is part of a broader and more comprehensive effort by the government to stabilise the workforce within the AYUSH sector. By addressing long-standing concerns related to pay and job security, the government aims to create a more supportive and sustainable professional environment.

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