West Bengal Government Calls for Talks with Agitating Junior Doctors

The West Bengal government has invited junior doctors for talks to resolve the standoff over the RG Kar hospital medic's alleged rape and murder. The government agreed to the doctors' demand for CM Mamata Banerjee's presence but denied a live telecast of the talks, limiting the delegation to 15 members.

In a fresh attempt to resolve the ongoing standoff, the West Bengal government extended an invitation for talks to junior doctors on Thursday, slated for 5 PM, regarding the RG Kar hospital medic's alleged rape and murder.

While the state government acceded to the doctors' request for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to be present, they refused the demand for a live telecast and limited the delegation to 15 members, as opposed to the doctors' desired 30. Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, in a letter to the protesting junior doctors, who have been on a sit-in at the state health department headquarters for nearly 48 hours, indicated that the government was willing to meet to ensure the smooth functioning of healthcare in the state but must comply with Supreme Court directives for resumption of work.

This letter marks the government's third communication in two days, amid rejections of previous proposals by the protesters who have stipulated concrete conditions for the meeting. The letter mentions that the meeting shall not be live telecast but could be recorded for transparency to document discussions accurately. The doctors have not yet responded.

(With inputs from agencies.)