After Kolkata docs set new demands, Mamata govt says 'not ready to accept': Top developments

NEW DELHI: The impasse between the protesting junior doctors and West Bengal state government continued as they listed out a fresh set of demands on Wednesday for accepting the government's appeal to discuss the way forward.
The response from the doctors came after West Bengal chief secretary Manoj Pant appealed to the protesting doctors to send a delegation of 12-15 representatives to state secretariat Wednesday evening for discussions.
However, the junior doctors forum demanded that they want to send a delegation of at least 30 representatives to meet with CM, including one from each of the 26 medical colleges in the state, besides seeking live telecast of the meeting. According to news agency ANI, the doctors refused to attend because it was said to be a closed-door meeting.
"The mail that we received yesterday was from the principal secretary and it was written that there is a meeting with senior government officials, stating it to be a closed-door meeting. We refused it because we were against the closed-door meeting," a protesting doctor was quoted as saying.
The junior doctors' email reply read, "We want to send a delegate team of at least 30 representatives. We want the meeting to be live telecasted for the sake of transparency among all parties. We are re-emphasising our point that we want our discussion to be in the presence of chief minister. We want the meeting to be based around our 5-point demands."
Responding to the demands, the West Bengal government said that it was not ready to accept any condition for a meeting. "Setting conditions for talks is not a reflection of coming with an open mind to find solutions to problems which plague the doctors. The government is ready to listen to whatever they have to say. But they can't set preconditions for such a meeting," State health minister said addressing a press conference.
The minister confirmed that the state will stick to the Supreme Court's direction on rejoining duties of the agitating doctors. "You will see what steps we take about this as and when it happens," Bhattacharya said.
The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front earlier issued a five point demand, which included holding everyone responsible for the rape and murder to be punished, implement strict disciplinary action against ex Principal Sandip Ghosh, resignation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, eliminate the alleged "threat culture" in hospitals and colleges, ensure adequate security measures for healthcare workers.
The protesting doctors have also been calling for the dismissal of key officials in the state health department, including the health secretary, the directors of health services and medical education. A similar invitation for dialogue was extended by the health secretary on Tuesday evening, but the doctors refused it, questioning the logic of engaging in talks with the very person whose suspension is one of their main 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 junior doctor was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
In light of this, the appeal on Wednesday came from chief secretary Manoj Pant.
"We appreciate your willingness to engage in dialogue, as constructive discussions are crucial to addressing concerns and collaboratively enhancing our healthcare system," the chief secretary's statement read.
The Supreme Court on Monday had ordered protesting doctors in West Bengal, demonstrating over the case, to return to work by 5 pm on Tuesday or face disciplinary action from the state government.
Nevertheless, despite the Supreme Court's ultimatum, the junior doctors have pledged to continue their protest for justice.
( with inputs from agencies)