Government doctors in Karnataka to get hike of Rs 5k-35k

Finally, doctors working in the government sec tor have reason to cheer. The state government on Tuesday hiked the salary of doctors and specialists working in government hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres (PHCs) across Karnataka. The hike ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 35,000 per month has been effected from July 6. The monthly salary of MBBSBDS-qualified doctors has increased by Rs 5,000.Those who have post-graduation and diploma degrees will see a rise of Rs 25,000; doctors with super-specialty qualifications will get the highest hike of Rs 35,000. There is no revision in salaries of ayurvedic doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff. "Our aim is retain doctors and attract more specialists to government hospitals," health and family welfare minister UT Khader told the legislative assembly on Tuesday . However, members in the opposition were not amused. "Why have you not considered ayurvedic doctors who are doing immense service to rural people," asked CT Ravi of BJP. According to JD(S) leader KM Shivalinge Gowda, the hike is not enough to attract specialists to government hospitals. "Private hospitals offer double than what government would pay . This will not bring doctors back to rural hospitals,'' he said. In October 2014, over 2,000 government doctors had protested demanding pay parity with medical education department doctors. STATE, CENTRE TO COLLABORATE ON STEEL PLANT The Centre and the state on Tuesday decided to jointly set up a steel plant as well as develop mines in the state. The proposals were discussed at a meeting between steel and mines minister Narendra Singh Tomar and chief minister Siddaramaiah. ''In the meeting it was decided to set up a special purpose vehicle to take forward the proposal. Once we sign the MoU, the place and capacity of the plant will be decided,'' Tomar told reporters. He said the Union government is setting up four steel plants, one each in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Karnataka."We have already signed MoUs with Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand,'' he added. On the auctioning of C category mines in the state, Tomar said the matter came up for discussion but Siddaramaiah advised them not to take it up since it was pending before the court.

-TOI