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.
A controversial Indian guru known as Rampal and 14 of his followers have been given a life sentence for the murder of four women and a young child at his ashram in 2014. The victims died from suffocation after being locked in a room during a stand off between the guru's supporters and police. This sentencing comes after years of legal battles and controversies surrounding the guru and his followers.
The 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer resulted in a flood of demands for disaster-specific levy by several states, following a request from Andhra Pradesh for a 1% GST levy to fund their flood recovery efforts. A Group of Ministers has been formed to examine the legal and structural issues surrounding this proposal, which was discussed in detail during the council meeting. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that other states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Telangana have also expressed interest in being a part of the committee. The issue of a similar flood-cess levy by Kerala in 2019 was also brought up, with other states showing support for Andhra Pradesh's demand.
After highly anticipated negotiations, the Mahayuti alliance announced its cabinet portfolios for Maharashtra's ministers on Saturday evening. Highlights include CM Devendra Fadnavis retaining the Home Ministry and Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena receiving the Urban Development portfolio. This comes after the alliance dropped several leaders from its cabinet expansion. The winter session of the Maharashtra legislative assembly concluded today with six days of intense discussions and debates. Additional key meetings will take place today regarding the portfolio distribution for the new cabinet, with several key players vying for key positions.
The Foreign Secretary has confirmed that the UK has had "diplomatic contact" with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group responsible for overthrowing Syrian President Bashar-al Assad. This comes after a period of uncertainty about whether the UK should engage with HTS due to its designation as a terrorist organization. Despite its proscription, the UK maintains diplomatic contact with HTS as a necessary measure.
The National Students’ Union of India Punjab President, Isherpreet Singh Sidhu, strongly condemns the arrest of Aden Karanveer Singh by SHO Narinder for peacefully protesting for Senate Elections at the Panjab University Bachao Morcha. Sidhu highlights how such actions not only violate the democratic right to dissent but also lead to the loss of Punjab's bright minds and the creation of figures like Lawrence Bishnoi. He calls for immediate action against SHO Narinder and urges higher authorities to intervene and ensure justice for the students. Sidhu reaffirms NSUI Punjab's support for the students and their demand to be heard, respected, and empowered.
The Assembly was abuzz with discussions on the tragic Sandhya Theater stampede, with AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin calling for a thorough investigation into the incident. He also criticized Allu Arjun for not visiting the hospital to meet the victims. CM Revanth Reddy assured that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted and necessary action would be taken in response to the incident.
Isherpreet Singh Sidhu, the National Students' Union of India Punjab President, strongly denounces the arrest of Karanveer Singh for peacefully protesting at the Panjab University Bachao Morcha and the alleged manhandling by SHO Narinder. Sidhu considers this a violation of democratic principles and a tactic used to suppress the voices of Punjab's youth. He demands immediate and strict action against the police officer and urges higher authorities to intervene and ensure justice for the students. The NSUI Punjab stands in solidarity with the students, emphasizing the need to respect their voices and empower them.
In a fiery speech, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy addressed the criticism from opposition leaders regarding the Rythu Bharosa scheme. He assured citizens that the government is committed to fulfilling all promises made and provided updates on the scheme's implementation. Reddy also highlighted the inclusivity of the process and denounced the previous government for misusing funds meant for farmers.
Congress leader Laxmi Hebbalkar, who is known for her feisty demeanor, has been embroiled in a recent controversy where she has accused BJP MLC C T Ravi of using derogatory terms against her. She has taken a stand for women's rights and filed a complaint of sexual harassment against Ravi, leading to his arrest. Hebbalkar, who is considered a close associate of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, has managed to secure the support of the Congress leadership in her fight against injustices. However, her political career has not been without drama and controversies, including a falling out with the Jarkiholi brothers.
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.