Tanda Medical College Teachers Association Opposes Faculty Cadre Merger, Threatens Mass Leave
Tanda: The Teachers Welfare Association of Medical College Tanda (TAMCOT) has strongly opposed the Himachal Pradesh government's decision to merge the faculty cadre of various medical colleges. The association has threatened to go on mass casual leave if the government proceeds with the plan.
Speaking The Tribune, Dr Munish Kumar Saroch, President of TAMCOT said that the decision to oppose the merger was unanimously taken at a meeting held yesterday evening “We have sought time from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to request him to withdraw the decision of merging cadres of medical colleges in the state. However, in case the government does not withdraw its decision, the medical teachers of Tanda Medical College would proceed on mass casual leave,” he said.
TAMCOT argues that the proposed merger will create inconsistencies in faculty seniority because all six state-run medical colleges do not follow the same rules in several aspects. Dr. Saroch emphasized that the merger violates the existing contract between faculty and the government, which specifies appointment and promotion based on individual medical colleges, reports the Daily.
The association pointed out several negative consequences if the merger is implemented. They anticipate disruption to hundreds of ICMR and Centre-funded research projects due to instability among principal investigators. Furthermore, the research work of hundreds of postgraduate and undergraduate students, particularly thesis projects, will be severely affected due to uncertainty surrounding faculty guides and co-guides. TAMCOT also fears that instability will lead to demotivation and a lack of ownership, hindering the growth of institutions, especially newer departments.
In a letter to the health secretary, TAMCOT highlighted that patient care, the primary objective of medical colleges, will ultimately suffer due to this decision. Dr. Saroch said that the association is committed to finding a resolution with the state government. He added that the house stands united against the proposed merger. He revealed that some consultants have considered resigning from government service in favour of private practice if the merger proceeds, while others have suggested a statewide shutdown of medical services. However, TAMCOT remains hopeful that the state government will reconsider its decision and resolve the issue peacefully.
