NURSES AT GMC GET A RAW DEAL Nurses at GMC have got a raw deal, as far as the issue of MACP is concerned . Those nurses who have put in more than 30 years of service are feeling cheated as their grade pay and that of their Juniors is the same. To root out stagnation in service and conceding to the Supreme Court rulling that “An Employee should get at least three financial upgradations in service” the Government of India announced the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) Scheme under the Sixth Pay Commission. Those who have completed 10/20/30 years of service are eligible to receive the benefits of the Scheme. The Government of Goa has accepted in toto the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations for its Employees. However, thanks to the clarification issued by Shri Umesh Chandra Joshi, under Secretary Personnel, Government of Goa. The Nurses are at the receiving end due to no fault of theirs. Umesh Chandra Joshi’s clarification denies the Nurses their rightful due, and is in contravention of Section 5 of the MAC Scheme. His own erroneous interpretation states that in case of staff Nurses only three percent upgradation is admissible whilst granting MACP and for further upgradation the next grade pay is to be granted. As for the other staff the rule differs, they are allowed the next grade pay under MACP. Whereas Section 5 of MACP Scheme states otherwise. It states that all upgraditions/ promotions granted under the ACP, of the 5th pay commission should be ignored as the erstwhile pay scale of Rs. 5000/-, Rs. 5500/- and Rs. 6500/- are merged. Whilst granting MACP those drawing Rs. 5000/ 5500/- should be fixed under PB-2 - 9300/- 34,800/- with grade pay of Rs. 4200/- as on 1/1/2006, and those drawing Rs. 6500/- should be fixed under PB-2 9300/- 34,800/- with grade pay of Rs. 4600/- as on 1/1/2006. Hence, Nurses who have completed 10/20/30 years are entitled to receive grade pay of Rs. 4,600/ 4,800 / 5400/- respectively. Which is sadly the case with the Nurses of GMC. It is not clear why only staff Nurses are denied their rightful due, whereas other Goa Government employees enjoy the true benefits of the MACP Scheme. A brief perusal of the illustration in annexure 1 of the MACP Scheme will enlighten those in doubt, as it clearly states that two financial upgraditions are to be given to those completing more than twenty years of service. The Injustice done to Nurses should be rectified immediately, the faulty clarification of the under secretary should be withdrawn and the correct pay scales of the Nurses should be restored. Due to the error of the undersecretary those Nurses who retired after 1/1/2006 will be the most affected as they will not receive their due entitlements. If need be pay fixations done in Central Government Offices may be referred, to correct the anamoly. Otherwise the Nurses will continue to suffer silently. By Cypriano Lopes Mb. No. 9420164 192
