BMC resident doctors threaten black ribbon protest over long-pending DA hike

Mumbai: Disappointed over the long-pending implementation of the Dearness Allowance (DA) hike by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), despite approval from the state government, thousands of resident doctors from four civil-run hospitals in Maharashtra have announced a black ribbon protest from April 10 without disrupting regular duties.

The doctors under the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (BMC MARD) have warned that if their demands are not addressed within the stipulated time, they will be forced to escalate the protest, which may include mass leave or a strike.

BMC MARD, which represents resident doctors working across four BMC-run hospitals, including Cooper Hospital, KEM Hospital, Nair Hospital, and Sion Hospital, has expressed serious concern over the matter.

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In its press release, the association stated that despite the Maharashtra Government issuing Government Resolutions (GRs) for DA hikes effective from July 1, 2024, January 1, 2025, and July 1, 2025, the revised DA has not yet been implemented for resident doctors in BMC hospitals.

As per the state government’s revisions, the DA for resident doctors was increased by 12% effective July 1, 2024, then by 11% effective January 1, 2025, and further by 8% effective July 1, 2025.

However, resident doctors under BMC claim that they are receiving DA at around 443%, while the government-approved rate has increased to 474%, creating a gap of about 31%. Due to this, arrears have been accumulating for nearly 21 months, leading to financial stress among resident doctors.

"BMC MARD has been consistently following up on this issue since July 2025 through multiple letters, meetings, and discussions with senior administrative officials. The matter has also been discussed at the level of the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Public Health), and instructions have been given to present it in a meeting of all deans for a final decision," mentioned the press release.

On April 6, 2026, BMC MARD submitted a detailed letter to the Municipal Commissioner, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (PH), Additional Municipal Commissioner (WS), Director (MEMH), and all hospital deans.

During these representations, Dr. Chinmay Kelkar (President, BMC MARD), Dr. Digvijay Jadhav (Vice President), Dr. Amar Agme (Secretary), Dr. Kaustubh Kokil (Secretary), and Dr. Shubham Solanke (President, KEM MARD) were present.

Additionally, BMC MARD representatives met the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (PH) and Additional Municipal Commissioner (WS) in person and held detailed discussions. The Deputy Municipal Commissioner (PH) has scheduled a meeting on April 9 in the afternoon regarding this issue.

The association has also met Deputy Mayor Mr. Sanjay Ghadi and discussed the delay in implementing the DA hike.

"Resident doctors are the backbone of Mumbai’s public healthcare system and provide continuous 24×7 services. In such a situation, the delay in implementing their rightful and government-approved financial benefits is a serious issue, leading to growing dissatisfaction among them. BMC MARD has clearly informed the administration that they expect an official circular to be issued by Thursday. Failing this, they will be compelled to intensify their protest in phases starting Friday, through democratic means. So far, BMC MARD has shown restraint and chosen dialogue with the administration. However, the association has emphasized that an immediate and concrete decision is now necessary," said the association.

Providing an update to Medical Dialogues, Dr Chinmay Kelkar, President, BMC MARD, said, "We have submitted a detailed representation to Hon’ble MC, DMC (PH), AMC, Director (MEMH), and all Deans, and also met Hon’ble Deputy Mayor Shri Sanjay Ghadi regarding this issue. We are expecting the official circular by Thursday. If not, a token protest from Friday will be held, followed by escalation."

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