Haryana MBBS students demand clarity on bond service policy
Rohtak: Emphasising the lack of detailed operational guidelines, a group of MBBS students from Government Medical Colleges submitted a memorandum to the Haryana Assembly Committee and the Director of Medical Education and Research (DMER), Haryana, seeking clarity on the terms and conditions of the Service Bond Policy before giving their consent.
The students clarified that their move is not against the state government, but is meant to protect their right to have their concerns clearly addressed. The 17-point representation, submitted by students of the 2020–21 batch, raised concerns about the implementation of the newly imposed bond policy for their batch.
In their memorandum, the students requested that the government and DMER provide clear written clarifications on various aspects of the bond policy, including service conditions, salary structure, posting, medico-legal protection, postgraduate studies, bond exit mechanisms, and document-related issues. They also urged that no binding consent be taken from students until all doubts are formally clarified.
"We, MBBS students admitted in Government Medical Colleges of Haryana from Academic Session 2020–21 onwards, submit this representation regarding the implementation of the MBBS Service Incentive Bond Policy notified vide Haryana Government Gazette dated 21.12.2022. We respectfully submit that seeking consent under Clause 5.A.2 without issuing detailed operational guidelines defeats the principle of informed consent, especially when the policy itself leaves several critical aspects undefined," the representation stated.
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According to student representatives, the issue is not opposition to government service, but the absence of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and detailed guidelines. They stressed that informed consent is not possible without complete disclosure of service terms and safeguards.
"The bond policy has far-reaching implications on a doctor’s career, education, finances, and legal safety. We are ready to serve the people of Haryana, but clarity and transparency are essential for smooth and fair implementation," the students stated.
The memorandum was submitted during the visit of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Committee on Health Services and Medical Education to Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, on Tuesday.
The Assembly Committee delegation, chaired by Shri Ram Kumar Kashyap, Hon’ble MLA, and comprising 11 members, visited the institute to review healthcare services and medical education in the state. The visit was also attended by Sh Yashendra Singh, Director of Medical Education & Research (DMER), Haryana.
The memorandum was accepted by the Assembly Committee and the DMER, and students were assured that their concerns would be taken seriously and that the government would provide clarifications on the policy at the earliest.
Commenting on the matter, Dr Akshat Mittal of the Indian Medical Association - Medical Students Network (IMA-MSN) told Medical Dialogues that medical students and young doctors in Haryana are willing to serve the state, but only with clarity and transparency.
He said the current MBBS bond policy raises concerns as it lacks clear SOPs, leaving students uncertain about appointments, pay, postings, leave, insurance, medico-legal protection, and the impact on postgraduate education. Despite repeated requests, the Directorate of Medical Education and Research has not provided structured communication, adding to anxiety.
Dr Mittal also warned that the policy may promote contractualisation, with bonded doctors hired under temporary contracts and lower pay, instead of strengthening permanent public health positions.
"Doctors are asking in good faith — not for exemptions, but for clarity. If postgraduate pathways are safeguarded, the state will gain trained specialists rather than losing talent. Strengthening dialogue and issuing clear SOPs will benefit both the government and the healthcare system. Our request is simple: do not seek consent in the absence of complete information. Open a transparent communication channel, issue clear guidelines, and implement a policy that truly strengthens public healthcare while respecting the rights and careers of young doctors," he added.
Their clause-wise queries and requests include:
1. Consent Without Defined Service Condition
The students have requested the government to clearly specify the exact nature of appointment of bonded MBBS doctors, whether the positions will be contractual, fixed tenure, temporary, or ad-hoc. They have also sought detailed notification of the service rules that will apply, including clarity on the disciplinary authority and the conditions governing suspension, termination, or extension of service.
Further, they have asked whether bonded doctors will be governed under the Haryana Civil Services Rules or under a separate contractual service framework. Additionally, they have requested confirmation that bonded doctors will be treated at par with existing contractual Medical Officers in matters related to duties, leave entitlements, and workplace protections.
2. Undefined Pay Structure and Benefits
The students stated that it has been informally discussed that a monthly remuneration of ₹75,000, similar to that offered to NHM doctors with annual increments, may be provided under the bond policy. However, they pointed out that several other states offer significantly higher salaries equivalent to that of a Grade-I Medical Officer along with full benefits.
In this regard, the students have requested the government to clearly notify the exact monthly remuneration, detailed pay structure, and the effective date from which salary will be paid. They have also sought clarification on the applicability of Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), medical benefits, and insurance coverage.
Further, they have asked for specification of leave entitlements, including casual leave, earned leave, medical leave, and maternity/paternity leave. They have also requested clarification on whether salary revisions or annual increments will apply during the bond period. Lastly, they have sought notification of the authority responsible for salary disbursement and the grievance redressal mechanism in case of payment delays.
3. Posting Mechanism and Transparency
The students have requested the government to clearly notify the method of allotment of postings, including the merit criteria to be followed and the source of merit, whether it will be based on university marks or entrance rank. They have also sought clarification on whether choice-based counselling will be conducted for postings and, if so, how many options will be provided to candidates.
Further, they have asked for detailed transfer policies, including the minimum tenure at a particular posting and the valid grounds on which transfers may be made. They have also requested the government to put in place safeguards to prevent arbitrary or punitive postings, particularly to remote or understaffed healthcare facilities.
4. Delay in Offering Service After MBBS
The students have requested the government to clarify that the one-year moratorium period will be treated as a guaranteed preparation time for higher studies, as previously assured, and that it will apply uniformly to all students exercising any of the three options under Clause 5.A.2. They have sought confirmation that during this period no service obligation or financial liability will be enforced, and that students will be free to prepare for and appear in postgraduate entrance examinations.
Further, they have asked for clarity regarding the status of original MBBS documents and provisional certificates to ensure uninterrupted academic progression. They have also requested clarification on the candidate’s status if a posting is not offered immediately after MBBS, whether they will be considered unemployed or bond-bound awaiting deployment and whether any interim remuneration or stipend will be paid. Lastly, they have sought assurance that delays attributable to the government will not disadvantage students academically or financially.
5. Withholding of Original MBBS Degree and documents
The students have requested the government to clarify the specific conditions under which the original MBBS degree may be withheld. They have also sought notification of a time-bound mechanism for the release of provisional and migration certificates. Further, they have asked for confirmation that withholding of documents will not obstruct postgraduate counselling or licensing processes in India or abroad. Additionally, they have requested clarity on the authority responsible for document custody and the grievance redressal mechanism in case of related issues.
6. Postgraduate Education Transitions
The students have sought a clear, step-by-step procedure outlining how bonded doctors can resign or be formally relieved from service to pursue postgraduate studies. They have also requested clarification on the required notice period and necessary documentation. In addition, they have asked the government to specify the procedure and timeline for rejoining service after completing PG training. They further sought assurance that admission to a postgraduate course will not lead to any penalty or escalation of the bond amount.
7. Bond Loan Terms and Repayment
Another point highlighted by the students is the request to specify the bank or banks involved in the bond loan mechanism, along with details of the applicable interest rate and moratorium period. They have also sought clarification on who will bear the responsibility for repayment during the period of government service, while pursuing postgraduate studies, and during the moratorium period.
Further, they have requested identification of the authority responsible for ensuring the timely payment of instalments. Additionally, they have sought safeguards to protect students from penal interest or damage to their credit score due to administrative delays beyond their control.
8. Exit and Pro-Rata Liability
The students have sought clear notification of the exact pro-rata calculation formula applicable in case of early exit from service. They have also requested clarification regarding the required notice period and the authority empowered to accept resignations.
Further, they have asked the government to specify the maximum time limit for closure of the bond after exit and to confirm that no additional penalties beyond the officially notified amount will be imposed.
9. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
Medical students have requested that a special authority be set up to handle complaints from bonded doctors. They want the procedure for filing complaints and appeals to be clearly explained, with all complaints resolved within a fixed time. They also asked for contact details and a clear escalation process to be provided.
10. Risk of Default Due to Delay or Non-Payment of Instalments by the Government
The Gazette Notification provides that the bond amount shall be structured as a collateral-free education loan in the name of the candidate, with repayment obligations arising in cases of non-service or incomplete service, said the students. However, they sought clarification whether repayment installments during bond service will be paid directly by the Government to the bank and reflected as timely repayments in the candidate’s loan account.
They have also asked for a written assurance that no penal interest, late fees, or impact on credit score will be imposed on the candidate for any delays caused by the Government. Additionally, they want a fail-safe mechanism to ensure that any default or delay by the Government does not create financial or legal liability for the bonded doctor.
11. Medicolegal Responsibilities and Legal Protection of Bonded Doctors
Given that bonded doctors may be posted in resource-limited, high-burden public health institutions, the absence of clarity on medico-legal safeguards exposes young doctors to disproportionate legal risk, said the students. As a result, they asked whether bonded doctors will be covered under State-provided medico-legal indemnity or be given legal representation and support by the Government for cases arising from official duties.
They have also asked for safeguards to ensure that bonded doctors are not assigned medico-legal responsibilities beyond their MBBS competency and that liability for systemic deficiencies, such as lack of infrastructure, manpower, or equipment, is not unfairly placed on individual doctors.
12. Recognition and Benefits After Completion of Bond Service
While the Gazette mandates compulsory service or financial liability, the students stated that it does not specify whether completion of bond service will confer any professional or academic recognition, despite the service being rendered exclusively in public institutions. The absence of post-bond benefits risks reducing the policy to a punitive obligation rather than a genuine incentive.
Hence, they have requested clarification and notification on whether completion of bond service will entitle doctors to recognition of their bond tenure as valid clinical experience for future Government appointments, contractual medical officer posts, and eligibility criteria requiring prior experience.
They also asked whether bond service will carry weightage or preference in Haryana State Quota PG admissions, recruitment to Haryana Civil Medical Services (HCMS), and Senior Resident or Tutor/Demonstrator positions in Government Medical Colleges. Additionally, they have requested the issuance of a formal service completion certificate specifying the duration, nature of duties, and the institution served.
13. Mandatory Registration with Haryana Medical Council (HMC) and Inter-State Practice
"The Gazette Notification permits candidates to opt for bond repayment in lieu of Government service, thereby allowing them to pursue medical education or employment outside the State of Haryana. However, it has been discussed during recent departmental deliberations that all bonded MBBS graduates may be required to register with the Haryana Medical Council (HMC) as part of policy implementation," the students said in the representation.
They further added, "This raises important practical and legal concerns, as medical practice or postgraduate training in another State requires registration with the respective State Medical Council, which in turn necessitates issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or transfer of registration from the parent council."
As a result, the students sought clarification on whether registration with the Haryana Medical Council is mandatory for all bonded MBBS graduates or only for those opting for Government service in Haryana. They have also asked that in cases where a student chooses to pursue postgraduate training or employment in another State, the HMC should issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or facilitate transfer of registration without administrative or punitive delays. Additionally, they have requested a clear, time-bound procedure for applying for an NOC and transferring registration to another State Medical Council to ensure that career mobility allowed under the Gazette is not obstructed in practice.
14. Reporting Obligation After Completion of Postgraduate Training and Overlapping PG Bonds
Medical students have requested clarification on whether MBBS bond service reporting will be deferred until completion of an existing PG bond. They also asked whether overlapping bond periods will be adjusted or if one bond will take precedence over the other. They also want confirmation that students will not be penalised for non-reporting when it occurs solely due to compliance with a legally valid PG bond.
15. Applicability of Bond Service Deduction for DNB and Private MD/MS Programs
Further, the students requested clarification on whether DNB training will be fully counted towards deduction of the MBBS bond service period. They have also asked whether MD/MS training in private institutions recognised by the NMC will be eligible for bond period deduction. They have also requested that uniform criteria be notified for all recognised postgraduate qualifications to prevent arbitrary exclusions.
16. Effect of the Government’s Inability to Provide Service Even After One Year
Another clarification on this point have been requested by the students. They asked whether, upon Government payment of the bond amount under Clause 5.A.12, the MBBS bond will be considered fully discharged and nullified. They also asked for confirmation that after such payment, the candidate will be free from all future service obligations, reporting requirements, or restrictions under the bond policy.
Additionally, they requested that it be notified that no residual liability or administrative hold will remain once the Government acknowledges its inability to provide service.
17. Principle of Informed Consent
"Consent taken without disclosure of the above details cannot be treated as informed consent, especially when professional mobility, finances, and academic progression are involved," said the students and asked that clause-wise operational guidelines be notified first. They further asked that consent under Clause 5.A.2 be sought only after such notification, and that students be given a reasonable amount of time afterwards to exercise their options.
The students alleged that this clarification is essential to safeguard students from unintended financial harm arising from factors beyond their control.
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