T-JUDA discusses stipend delays, scholarship issues, and salary concerns with Health Minister

Members of the Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T-JUDA) met with Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha on Friday (January 17, 2025) requesting him to address issues related to stipends, scholarships, and salary delays
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Members of the Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T-JUDA) met with Minister for Health C. Damodar Raja Narasimha on Friday (January 17, 2025) to request him to address issues related to stipends, scholarships, and salary delays.

During the meeting, the Health Minister expressed concern over delays in stipend payments despite clear government orders. He assured the representatives that immediate measures would be taken to rectify the situation. In addition, T-JUDA submitted a formal request for a hike in stipend, which the Minister agreed to forward to the Health Secretary for further consideration and necessary action, as per a press release.

The possibility of exempting stipends from taxation was also raised by T-JUDA. The Minister acknowledged the concern and agreed to examine the matter, promising to explore feasible solutions. T-JUDA members said that another issue discussed was the irregular disbursement of undergraduate scholarships. The representatives highlighted the financial strain caused by these delays, to which the Minister responded by committing to investigate and address the problem promptly.

The junior doctors also drew attention to the delayed salary payments for contract Assistant and Associate Professors. A formal representation was submitted, and the Minister assured the delegation that this issue would also be resolved without delay, they said.