Mamata Govt to issue SOP at 3 pm tomorrow; Jr Doctors to take call on strike afterwards

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held extensive discussions with the agitating junior doctors from RG Kar Medical Hospital on Monday evening, seeking to resolve the ongoing impasse over the rape and murder of a medical student. The talks, lasting over two hours, centered on the junior doctors' demands, which included conducting student body elections and addressing recruitment gaps in medical colleges.

The state government assured the doctors that a written directive would be sent to them by October 22, by 3:00 PM, outlining the fulfillment of their demands, including a clear timeline for student elections in medical colleges. This assurance comes as part of a broader effort to bring an end to the protests, which have disrupted normal operations at several medical facilities in the state.

During the talks, Mamata Banerjee acknowledged the doctors' right to protest and expressed solidarity with their cause. “You did your protests as per your capacity. You did well. It is your democratic right,” the Chief Minister said. Reflecting on her own experience with activism, she added, “I also did fasts and protests for 26 days. Not a single government officer came to meet me. I came to meet you.”

Banerjee assured the junior doctors that their well-being was a priority for her administration, stating that she regularly asked for updates on their condition. She encouraged them to communicate their needs openly, emphasizing her commitment to finding a resolution. “I ask you, you tell me what you want not once, but ten times if you want. You have a future, you have a duty. I urge you to lift the protests and fast as soon as possible,” she appealed.

The recruitment issue was also a major topic during the discussions. Mamata Banerjee acknowledged the junior doctors’ concerns about unfilled vacancies in medical institutions. She agreed that the vacancies should be filled immediately but noted that certain obstacles, especially those related to reservations, were beyond her control. “Our hands are tied in many places, especially about reservations. We have tried regularly to get the matter up in the court, but it is pending in the Supreme Court,” she explained.