By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 29: After being in the news for some time now, the GVK EMRI 108 has once again come to the forefront, this time they have moved the state government over the new wage proposal for which necessary sanction is being awaited.
It is to be noted that many of the field workers have demanded a salary correction.
Sources revealed that the organisation has moved the government over the new wage proposal in March this year, while adding that the move comes in view of the compound growth rate of operational cost for the company, which was 2.6 per cent, while it was 15.15 per cent for fuel.
According to sources, the minimum monthly salary on an average of an emergency medical technician (EMT) in the group now is Rs 11,150, and for a driver (pilot), it is Rs 10,837. These amounts would, however, change drastically once the government approves the proposal of the GVK EMRI, which has asked for an additional 16 per cent increase in operational cost from the government, they said.
The proposal for additional support was made with the backing of former Health Minister AL Hek, who had recommended the same to be considered by the Health department, they added.
The Health department, on the other hand, had sought the views of the MD of National Health Mission, who supported and recommended the same to be included as well.
It is said that the Health department has given necessary direction to the MD of NHM to move for provisioning of additional fund in the budget and the same has been taken up for provisioning, while at present necessary government approvals and budget sanction are being awaited.
According to sources, the government is supporting the operation and NHM MD is working to streamline the operations, whereas the government has also approved the IT upgradation after 12 years on operation which will make the system more efficient. “Keeping this in mind we need to allow the time for the approvals to come through and not disrupt the services during pandemic,” sources said.