Dehradun – In an effort to draw medical professionals to its far‑flung districts, the Uttarakhand government has introduced a new salary matrix for resident doctors and demonstrators attached to state‑run medical colleges. The revised scales add a location‑based premium for postings in the hilly belt, where chronic staff shortages have hampered service delivery.

Significant rise for senior residents

From today onward, senior residents posted in the mountains will be paid Rs 1.10 lakh per month, up from the earlier Rs 90,000. Their counterparts on the plains see their remuneration lifted to Rs 1.05 lakh, a jump from Rs 84,000.

Junior residents also see a boost

Junior residents serving in the hills will now receive Rs 85,000 monthly, an increase over the previous Rs 76,000. Those stationed in the low‑lying areas will have their salary raised to Rs 80,000, up from Rs 71,000.

Adjusted pay for demonstrators

The same differential has been applied to demonstrators. In hill postings, their monthly earnings rise to Rs 85,000 (earlier Rs 76,000), while demonstrators on the plains will be paid Rs 80,000, up from Rs 71,000.

Why a location‑based differential?

Authorities say the higher compensation for mountain assignments is meant to make these roles more appealing, thereby narrowing the persistent vacancy gap in government hospitals across Uttarakhand’s rugged terrain. The uplift is also expected to aid medical colleges in retaining residents, strengthening both patient care and academic programs.

Current staffing figures indicate that the state’s public medical colleges employ 251 junior residents, 246 senior residents, and 134 demonstrators. The salary revision translates into a noticeable monthly earnings increase for each of these groups.

Tackling the doctor shortage

This move comes amid ongoing worries about the inadequate number of physicians in public health facilities, especially in high‑altitude districts where many departments operate below authorized strength. By offering a financial lure, the government hopes to persuade more doctors to accept or continue hill‑area posts, relieving pressure on understaffed hospitals.

Alongside 23 other proposals covering development, education, governance and public services, the remuneration overhaul was highlighted as a pivotal step toward bolstering Uttarakhand’s healthcare delivery system.