GUWAHATI, Feb 26 � Even as the health department goes on a spending drive to upgrade and create new infrastructure, a key group of service providers in its premier facility confront a serious problem. For nearly three months, the computer operators of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) have not received their salaries.
A computer operator, who wished anonymity, told The Assam Tribune, �We have not received the salary for the months of December and January; and February is about to end. It is a difficult situation for all of us.�
No less surprising is the fact that their salaries have seen no hike since a year after their joining. The operators, who keep the computers of GMCH running, initially were paid Rs 3,000 per month, which was increased to Rs 3,500. However, even after years of service their remuneration has remained the same.
The operators further revealed that no appointment letter was issued to them at the time of joining, which continues to be a matter of concern. Although they have been contacting various authorities to air their grievances, their repeated request for relief have gone unheeded.
When contacted, a source in AMTRON, which has the operators employed in the project, said that although several discussions have taken place since April 2010, steps are yet to be taken to enhance the pay package of the computer operators.
He stated that salaries were getting delayed due to non-receipt of money from the government, but added that positive news can be expected around a week�s time.
