DA hike announced for resident doctors in BMC Hospitals after protest

Mumbai: Bringing relief to resident doctors, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for resident doctors and other similar categories working in its medical and dental colleges and hospitals.

The decision comes after the resident doctors under Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (BMC MARD) began a black ribbon protest from Wednesday (April 22) over the long-pending Dearness Allowance (DA) hike and warned that if their demands are not addressed within the stipulated time, they will be forced to escalate the protest from Friday (April 24).

Addressing the concern, the civic body issued a circular on April 22, 2026, stating that the benefit will be given to the doctors on the lines of the Maharashtra state government and will be effective from July 1, 2024.

The order applies to resident medical officers, managers, resident officers and other similar staff working in BMC-run medical and dental institutions who are currently drawing salaries under the unrevised pay scale.

Also read- BMC resident doctors stage black ribbon protest over non-implementation of revised DA

"State government employees drawing salary under unrevised pay scales are periodically granted increased Dearness Allowance (DA). The same benefit is applicable to Resident Medical Officers, Managers, Resident Officers, and similar categories in Municipal Medical/Dental Colleges and Institutions," the circular read.

According to the circular, the DA has been increased from the existing 443 per cent to 455 per cent from July 1, 2024, 466 per cent from January 1, 2025, and then to 474 per cent from July 1, 2025. The BMC has stated that the final DA rate of 474 per cent will be reflected in the monthly salaries from May 2026 onwards.

"On the lines of the State Government, the above DA rates shall be implemented in phases, increasing from 455% to 474%, for the concerned categories with effect from 01 July 2024. The DA at 474% shall be applied in the monthly salary from May 2026 onwards," mentioned the circular.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the BMC MARD stated, 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 remained unimplemented 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 claimed 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.

But now, the resident doctors will receive revised DA and also receive arrears for the period from July 1, 2024, to April 30, 2026. The arrears will be calculated based on the revised DA rates and will be paid along with the May 2026 salary.

The circular clarified that while calculating DA, only basic pay and dearness pay under the unrevised pay scale will be considered. Other components, like special pay or allowances, will not be included.

"While calculating DA, only basic pay + dearness pay under unrevised pay scales shall be considered. Any additional amounts, such as special pay, allowances, or other components, shall not be included. Amounts of 50 paise or more should be rounded up to the next rupee. Amounts less than 50 paise should be ignored," the circular added.

With this, the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (BMC MARD), representing resident doctors across KEM, Nair, Sion, and Cooper Hospitals, announced the withdrawal of the ongoing and proposed protest actions since the primary demands have been addressed.

It acknowledged the issuance of the official circular and said that this marks the resolution of an issue that had remained pending for nearly 21 months, despite continuous follow-up, multiple meetings, and repeated assurances.

BMC MARD expressed its appreciation towards the administration for maintaining communication and ensuring that the matter progressed to its final stage, culminating in the issuance of the official circular.

"At the same time, this outcome reflects the collective unity, resilience, and sustained efforts of resident doctors across all BMC hospitals, who continued to serve patients tirelessly while firmly standing for their rightful entitlements. In view of the issuance of the official circular, BMC MARD hereby announces the withdrawal of the ongoing and proposed protest actions, as the primary demand stands addressed. The association will continue to closely follow up for prompt implementation of the revised DA in stipends and timely disbursement of pending arrears, ensuring that the benefits reach all resident doctors without further delay," mentioned the press release.

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr Amar Agame, General Secretary, BMC MARD, said, "This was a rightful, policy-approved entitlement of resident doctors, and we thank the administration for issuing the official circular after continuous and consistent efforts. In view of this, we are withdrawing our protest in the interest of patient care. We hope that such matters will be addressed proactively by the administration in the future without the need for prolonged follow-up."

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