RTI reveals over 100 senior non-faculty posts vacant at PGI Chandigarh

The RTI application was filed by Ashwani Munjal, chairman of the Joint Action Committee of the Contract Workers’ Union, who sought to know the exact number of vacant positions in Group B and the reason behind the scarcity. 

In response, the institute revealed that nearly 100 Group B posts are vacant. These positions are considered vital for ensuring smooth administrative and academic functioning. The reply further pointed out that the vacancies persist due to stalled recruitment processes caused by disputes over rules, tribunal directions, and the lack of eligible feeder cadre officers. In some cases, even after posts were advertised, no suitable candidates applied.

Expressing serious concern over the severe shortage at the premier institute, Munjal told HT, "PGI has provided information regarding vacant posts of Group A non-faculty, which revealed that about 100 top-level Group A posts are vacant. These 100 top-level officers are responsible for controlling and supervising thousands of Group B staff. The vacant posts include principals and lecturers who are responsible for teaching nursing students."

"One can imagine the plight of discipline and educational standards and quality in the absence of about 100 top-level Group A non-faculty and teaching posts. The acting or officiating arrangements have plagued the institute with indiscipline and sycophants," he added. 

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that 131 out of 732 sanctioned faculty positions are vacant at PGIMER. The institute has 1874 out of 8265 sanctioned non-faculty positions unfilled. So, PGIMER has around 17.8% vacant faculty and 22.6% vacant non-faculty positions.

Also read- Over 40 percent faculty posts vacant in AIIMS, 20 percent in JIPMER, 17 percent in PGI: Health Minister in Parliament