Jaipur Medical College Staff Face Salary Delay Over Election Form Compliance
In an unprecedented administrative move, doctors and nursing staff at SMS Medical College and its attached hospitals in Jaipur have been left without their February salaries. The payment delay stems from a directive issued by the district election officer concerning compliance with election-duty information requirements for the upcoming panchayat elections.
Election Office Directive Halts Salary Processing
Typically disbursed on the first day of each month, the February salaries were withheld after the district election officer mandated that all state employees submit election-duty information forms in a prescribed format. According to official communications, medical professionals allegedly failed to provide the required information within the stipulated timeframe despite receiving multiple reminders.
The election officer subsequently instructed the treasurer and secretariat to clear the February salary bill only after examining acknowledgment letters confirming complete submission of the necessary information. This directive resulted in salary withholding for staff members deemed non-compliant with the election information requirement.
Official Communication Cites Statutory Responsibilities
In a formal letter addressed to SMS Medical College administration, the district election officer characterized the failure to provide election-duty information as obstruction of election-related work. The communication explicitly stated that such non-compliance would be treated as serious administrative negligence.
The letter emphasized that election work constitutes a statutory responsibility under the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, and the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Election) Rules, 1994. Furthermore, it referenced State Election Commission directives requiring all departments to provide necessary information and cooperation for election-related activities, with personnel availability being the responsibility of the concerned department or office.
Medical Association Challenges Salary Withholding
The Rajasthan Medical College Teachers' Association (RMCTA) has strongly opposed the salary withholding, describing the action as unjust and disproportionate for essential healthcare service providers. The association has formally sought intervention from the Chief Minister's office to resolve the situation.
RMCTA President Dr. Dheeraj Jeph highlighted that the Election Commission of India typically exempts certain categories of personnel from election duty requisition due to the essential nature of their work. He noted that this marks the first instance where doctors associated with SMS Medical College and its attached hospitals have been mandatorily required to complete election-duty information forms.
The ongoing situation has created significant financial uncertainty for medical professionals who provide critical healthcare services in the region. As the standoff continues, healthcare providers await resolution of what they describe as an administrative impasse affecting their livelihoods during a period of essential public service delivery.
