The West Bengal government on Wednesday issued a fresh appeal requesting the protesting junior doctors holding a sit-in outside the Swasthya Bhavan, the headquarters of the state Health Depart in Salt Lake, since Tuesday to send a delegation for discussions on their demands.
The medics protesting the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month are demanding the suspension of the Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, and the Director of Medical Education.
A similar appeal for talks was sent on Tuesday evening by Health Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam, but it was rejected by the protesting doctors who questioned the rationale behind the appeal coming from the same person whose suspension is one their primary demands.
“One of our main demands is the suspension of Health Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam. Yet, the email for a meeting on our demands came from the same Health Secretary's office, which is insulting," a protesting junior doctor had said on Tuesday.
Keeping that in mind, the appeal on Wednesday was issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant.
“We value your openness to dialogue, as constructive discussions are essential for addressing concerns and working together to improve our healthcare infrastructure,” read the appeal by Pant.
The Chief Secretary requested the protesting junior doctors to send a 12 to 15-member delegation for discussions at Nabanna by 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
However, till the time of filing of this report, the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Forum (WBJDF), the banner under which the protest is being held, has not announced its next move.
“We will communicate our decision soon after discussing the matter,” said a protesting doctor.
In his letter to the junior doctors, the Chief Secretary also reminded them that the common people are being deprived of medical services for the past 32 days.
On Monday, the Supreme Court had said that doctors in West Bengal protesting against the R.G. Kar rape-murder must resume their duties by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, failing which the state government will be authorised to initiate disciplinary action against them.
However, unnerved by the Supreme Court ultimatum, the junior doctors vowed to continue their agitation and gave a call to march to the Swasthya Bhavan on Tuesday afternoon.
Govt justifies deportation from US, cites diplomatic obligation
Calling for a focus on a strong crackdown against the illegal immigration industry, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday reiterated the universal obligation for countries to repatriate their nationals found living abroad illegally.
Saved from penal action, repatriated safely — how have things changed drastically for illegal Indian immigrants since 2014
Making a statement in Parliament, the EAM urged that the focus should instead remain on a strong crackdown against the illegal immigration industry as the process of deportation is not new and has been ongoing for several years.
Emergency was aimed to pamper arrogance of Congress' royal family: PM Modi
Replying in Rajya Sabha to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, PM Modi highlighted how the Congress government during the 'Emergency' persecuted singer Kishore Kumar and actors Dev Anand and Balraj Sahni who refused to support it during that dark phase.
BJP ally Tipra Motha Party threatens to withdraw support if govt does not fulfil promises
Tripura's ruling coalition partner, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), on Thursday threatened to withdraw its support from the BJP-led government if the Centre did not fulfil the provisions of the tripartite accord signed on March 2 last year.
Not new procedure, been in place since 2009: EAM Jaishankar on deportation row
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that there has been "no change from the past procedure" in the deportation of illegal immigrants by the United States, emphasizing that the process is "not a new one".
Cong seeks discussion in LS, dignified treatment for deported Indians by US
The Indian nationals who were deported from the US for illegally arriving in the country on Wednesday claimed that they were sent back on the military aircraft with their hands and legs cuffed throughout the journey.
J&K mysterious deaths: All pesticide, insecticide shops sealed in Rajouri district
All pesticide and insecticide shops have been sealed by authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Rajouri district as part of preventive measures taken after 17 ‘mysterious deaths’ took place in Budhal village, officials said on Thursday.
Pariksha Pe Charcha: PM Modi to engage with students; Sadguru, Mary Kom, Deepika to join discussion
The much-anticipated eighth edition of 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' (PPC) is set to return in an expanded format, featuring an array of distinguished experts and guests, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.