No salaries to medical staff: HC raps Delhi govt, NGOs

The Delhi High Court today pulled up the city government and two NGOs for their failure to pay since 2013 salaries to doctors, nurses and staff, engaged in running family welfare programmes here.
Expressing displeasure over non-payment of grant-of-aid to the staff, Justice Hima Kohli said it was very unfortunate that the matter remains where it was, as in today's world no one can survive a month without a salary.
"You (Delhi government) have not blocked the money of the petitioners (doctors, nurses and staff) for a month or two. It (salary) has not been paid to them for last two years.

"It is very unfortunate. They will borrow or steal the money from someone. You are the state here, you have larger responsibilities. Put yourself in other's shoes and feel it," the court said, while directing the Delhi government's health and finance department secretaries to explain on next date of hearing why the salaries have not been paid to the NGO staff.
It further said that something has to be done which is practical as it cannot get away without paying the dues.
The court observation came during hearing of a plea filed by one Mangala Khattar and few others, who have alleged that the Delhi government and NGO's -- Family Planning Association of India and Sunder Lal Jain Hospital -- have not paid them money since 2013 under the Centre sponsored family planning program with the goal of lowering fertility and slowing the population growth rate.

Under the Centre's grant-in-aid scheme, grants are provided to NGOs who fulfil the criteria according to government norms.
NGOs were provided the grant to implement family welfare programmes in Delhi through various health posts and urban family welfare centres.