Over 100 senior doctors from four state-run medical colleges and hospitals in West Bengal have resigned in support of their junior colleagues, who are protesting and holding a fast-unto-death over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. This brings the total number of resignations from six hospitals to over 200. The protest and resignations come in the wake of the alleged incident that occurred in August at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Mass Resignation of Senior Doctors in West Bengal
A mass resignation by over 100 senior doctors from four state-run medical colleges and hospitals in West Bengal has rocked the healthcare system in the state. This unprecedented move comes in support of their junior colleagues who are protesting and holding a fast-unto-death over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor.
Background
On August 23, 2022, a 27-year-old trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered inside the hostel of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The incident sparked widespread outrage and protests among the medical community. Junior doctors from several hospitals across the state went on strike, demanding justice for their colleague and improved security measures.
Mass Resignations
In solidarity with their junior colleagues, over 100 senior doctors from Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, SSKM Hospital, Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, and RG Kar Medical College and Hospital submitted their resignations to the state government. This brings the total number of resignations from six hospitals to over 200.
The senior doctors cited the state government's failure to take adequate steps to address the ongoing crisis as the reason for their resignation. They accused the government of not providing proper security arrangements for doctors and of not taking strict action against the perpetrators of the crime.
Government Response
The West Bengal government has condemned the resignations and appealed to the doctors to reconsider their decision. The Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has announced that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the case and that strict action will be taken against those responsible.
However, the doctors have vowed to continue their protest and resignations until their demands are met. They are demanding the immediate arrest of the accused, increased security measures in hospitals, and permanent job regularisation for contract doctors.
FAQs
1. What was the trigger for the mass resignations? A: The mass resignations were triggered by the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
2. How many senior doctors have resigned? A: Over 100 senior doctors from four state-run medical colleges and hospitals have resigned.
3. What are the demands of the protesting doctors? A: The doctors are demanding the immediate arrest of the accused, increased security measures in hospitals, and permanent job regularisation for contract doctors.
4. What is the government's response to the resignations? A: The government has condemned the resignations and appealed to the doctors to reconsider their decision. It has also announced the formation of a SIT to investigate the case.
5. What is the current status of the protest? A: The doctors have vowed to continue their protest and resignations until their demands are met. The situation remains tense.
Delhi's ruling party, AAP, has announced a scholarship scheme for Dalit students hoping to pursue higher education abroad. With the upcoming assembly polls in mind, party chief Arvind Kejriwal presented this initiative at the party headquarters, with other party leaders in attendance. Meanwhile, the BJP gears up for the elections by shortlisting candidates and stating that the manifesto will be shaped based on the feedback received from the people of Delhi. Additionally, AAP's door-to-door campaign aims to register beneficiaries under two prominent welfare schemes.
The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, V K Saxena, has given approval to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in connection to a case involving irregularities in the excise policy of Delhi. The ED had sought permission from the Chief Secretary in December last year to prosecute Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia. However, the AAP has denied any such sanction and accused the ED of mishandling the case and trying to politically malign the party. The investigation into the alleged liquor scam has been dragging on for two years, resulting in harassment and inconvenience for hundreds of people, without any evidence of corruption being found.
Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader and former Haryana Chief Minister O. P. Chautala has passed away at the age of 89. Known for his strong presence in rural Haryana and his dominant Jat voter base, Chautala suffered a cardiac arrest at his home and was unable to recover. His contributions to state politics and his efforts to continue his father Chaudhary Devi Lal's legacy have been praised by many, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and current Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Chautala's body will be cremated in Sirsa on Saturday, where people will have the opportunity to pay their respects.
Congress questions PM Modi's priorities as ethnic violence rages on in Manipur and he embarks on a two-day visit to Kuwait, the first by an Indian PM in 43 years. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlights the discrepancy in the PM's actions as Manipur's fate remains uncertain.
The Congress party has demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for defending Union Home Minister Amit Shah's controversial remarks about Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Party leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Pramod Tiwari accused the BJP of behaving in a fascist manner and expressed disappointment that no FIR has been filed in their complaint about the incident involving BJP and Congress MPs. Tiwari also highlighted the disrespectful and insulting tone of Amit Shah's speech, and Gogoi revealed that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has requested an inquiry into the incident where he fell due to the actions of BJP MPs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently sparked controversy by claiming that the Congress party, under the leadership of Jawahar Lal Nehru, conspired to defeat Dalit icon BR Ambedkar in the 1951-52 Lok Sabha elections. This accusation was made in defense of his political confidante, Home Minister Amit Shah, who had stated that the constant mention of Ambedkar's name has become a "fashion" in Indian politics. However, historical records show that Ambedkar lost the elections to the Congress candidate not once, but twice. How did Ambedkar's relationship with Nehru affect his political career, and was his defeat really a result of Nehru's actions?
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has called for the release of CCTV footage showing the alleged physical altercation between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and a BJP MP in the Parliament complex. Baghel also criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his 'inflammatory' comments regarding Dalit icon B.R. Ambedkar. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have refuted the accusations and retaliated with their own complaint. Baghel also expressed concerns over the law and order situation in Chhattisgarh under the BJP government.
The Assembly constituency of Ambedkar Nagar, located near Saket in South Delhi, is home to a majority of lower-middle-class and middle-class families. Residents express their disappointment and frustration towards the recent political bickering in the Parliament over B R Ambedkar's legacy and instead look to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for tangible solutions to their everyday issues. While the Congress and BJP continue to compete for the support of voters, the AAP has already gained the trust of many residents through their policies and actions. However, some residents remain skeptical and call out the timing of the AAP's recent efforts in the area.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlights the destruction of Hindu temples in various parts of the country and reiterates the need for protecting Sanatan Dharma for world peace. He speaks out against the atrocities faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and vows to destroy the lineage of those who desecrated Hindu places of worship. Adityanath's remarks come a day after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat spoke about inclusivity and building a model of harmony in the country that can be adopted by the world.
The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan's controversial decision to boycott assembly sessions unless accorded the status of opposition leader is causing tension within his own party. People are questioning his motives and demanding answers as to why he and his 10 party MLAs should be allowed to stay away from the assembly without facing consequences. The situation is only escalating as Jagan continues to make impossible demands, leading to concerns about the party's political future.