They are considered experts in their fields, and students in scores flock to them to glean from their vast reservoirs of knowledge. Yet, when it comes to remuneration of these honorary teachers at state-run hospitals, the government fails to match even the figures it doles out to class IV sweepers.

Honorary faculty members at 14 state-run medical colleges, three state-run dental colleges and four state-run Ayurvedic colleges are paid a measly Rs 1,500 per month as honorarium for their services. Moreover, most hospitals have refused to raise the retirement age of honorary faculty members from 58 to 62, a privilege that has been allowed to permanent faculty members.