IGMC Residents Seek Revision of ₹40 Lakh Bond and Higher PG Stipends

The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, has urged the Himachal Pradesh government to revise its compulsory medical service bond policy, reduce the reported ₹40 lakh penalty and increase postgraduate (PG) medical stipends. The demands, raised ahead of NEET PG 2026 counselling, focus on the financial commitments faced by medical graduates and the working conditions of resident doctors in the state.

According to reports published on October 11 and 12, 2026, the association believes that the combination of a lengthy service obligation, a high financial penalty and concerns over stipend payments could make Himachal Pradesh less attractive to candidates seeking postgraduate medical seats.

What Are IGMC Resident Doctors Demanding?

Why Is the ₹40 Lakh Medical Bond a Concern?

Service bonds are intended to support the availability of doctors in public healthcare by requiring eligible medical graduates to serve the state for a specified period or face financial consequences for non-compliance. However, the RDA has argued that the current bond conditions and penalty may discourage high-ranking MBBS graduates from choosing medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh during postgraduate counselling.

The association has warned that this could affect the state's ability to attract and retain meritorious candidates. It has also raised the possibility that some postgraduate seats could remain vacant initially or be filled in later counselling rounds.

The bond's practical implications depend on the applicable government policy, the candidate's admission category and the specific terms of the undertaking. NEET PG aspirants should therefore read the current official prospectus and bond documents carefully before making admission decisions.

Residents Raise Concerns Over PG Stipends

The RDA has also called for higher postgraduate stipends, arguing that compensation should reflect the responsibilities carried by resident doctors. Trainees commonly work in hospital wards, emergency departments and intensive care units, where patient care may require long and demanding shifts.

The association separately flagged reported delays or non-payment of stipends to doctors covered by Himachal Pradesh's “No Stipend, No Bond” arrangement. It has asked the government to intervene and address the issue. These are concerns raised by the association; the reported claims do not establish that every resident doctor is affected.

In December 2025, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had announced proposed increases in monthly stipends for postgraduate resident doctors, including ₹50,000 for first-year, ₹60,000 for second-year and ₹65,000 for third-year residents. The latest demands highlight continuing concerns about implementation, payment and whether compensation remains competitive.

What Has the Association Asked the Government to Do?

• Review the three-year compulsory service bond and its financial penalty.
• Increase postgraduate stipends in line with national benchmarks.
• Resolve reported stipend-payment issues affecting eligible resident doctors.
• Consult resident doctors' associations before finalising medical education policies.
• Consider reforms before the upcoming NEET PG 2026 counselling process.

The association has submitted its representations to the IGMC principal, the state's health secretary, the health minister and the chief minister. The demands are proposals from the doctors' association; a government decision or revised policy should not be assumed until an official notification is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are IGMC resident doctors demanding a bond revision?

The RDA says the compulsory service period and reported ₹40 lakh penalty may discourage medical graduates from choosing postgraduate seats in Himachal Pradesh.

2. What stipend changes are being requested?

The association wants PG stipends increased in line with national benchmarks and has raised concerns over reported unpaid stipends under the “No Stipend, No Bond” policy.

3. Has the Himachal Pradesh government accepted these demands?

The reports describe demands submitted by the RDA. They do not confirm that the government has approved the requested revisions.

4. What should NEET PG 2026 candidates check?

Candidates should consult the latest official counselling prospectus, service-bond conditions, stipend rules and government notifications before selecting or joining a postgraduate medical seat.