As many as 253 staff quarters of different categories at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, have remained vacant for years despite a long waiting list of employees seeking accommodation, resulting in an estimated annual financial loss of Rs 4.28 crore to the institute, according to information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by Ashwani Kumar Munjal.
The RTI data reveals that several houses have remained unallotted since as far back as 2017, while others have been lying vacant since 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. The vacant accommodation includes quarters meant for both faculty and non faculty staff at PGI’s residential complexes in Sectors 12 and 24, Chandigarh.
According to the information, nearly 1,000 PGI employees are currently awaiting allotment of government accommodation under the 2026-27 priority lists. Many of them are compelled to reside in rented accommodation in distant areas, leading to higher expenditure on rent and daily commuting.
The issue came to light after RTI applications filed by Ashwani Kumar Munjal sought details of vacant houses in the institute. Following an RTI application submitted in April 2026, the PGI administration initiated an allotment process and the House Allotment Committee recommended allotment of 44 houses during its meeting held on May 7, 2026. However, a substantial number of houses continue to remain vacant.
The RTI information indicates that the institute is suffering losses through unrealised licence fees and continued payment of House Rent Allowance (HRA) to employees who could otherwise be accommodated in official housing. The estimated monthly financial loss has been calculated at Rs 35.72 lakh, amounting to approximately Rs 4.28 crore annually.
The representation states that the prolonged non allotment of quarters is also affecting employee welfare and may indirectly impact patient care services, as staff members often face difficulties reaching the institute on time due to long commutes, adverse weather conditions and traffic congestion.
An earlier RTI response obtained by Munjal in August 2025 had shown that 322 houses were lying vacant, leading to an estimated annual loss of Rs 5.5 crore. While the number of vacant houses has since come down, hundreds of residential units continue to remain unoccupied.
The matter has been raised by Ashwani Kumar Munjal, Chairman of the Joint Action Committee of PGI Contract Workers Unions and Chief Adviser of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Chandigarh, in a representation to the Union Health Ministry, seeking immediate intervention to streamline allotments, reduce financial losses and provide relief to employees waiting for accommodation.