Mon Feb 24 16:12:56 UTC 2025: **West Bengal CM Announces Salary Hike for Doctors After Rape-Murder Protests**

KOLKATA, Feb 24, 2025 – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a significant salary increase for government doctors on Monday, following months of protests triggered by the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor last year. The salary of senior doctors will be increased by ₹15,000 per month, while interns, house staff, and postgraduate trainees will receive a ₹10,000 monthly raise.

The announcement came during the “Treatment is Service” event, where Ms. Banerjee emphasized the crucial role of doctors and their dedication to humanity. She expressed hope that the salary hike would encourage doctors to stay in the state and not seek opportunities abroad.

The Chief Minister’s announcement follows widespread protests in August and October 2024, during which doctors went on cease work and hunger strikes, demanding action following the rape and murder at R.G. Kar Memorial College and Hospital. These protests resulted in the transfer of several key Kolkata Police and state government officials.

While acknowledging the ongoing judicial process related to the trainee doctor’s murder, with a life imprisonment sentence already handed down, Ms. Banerjee reiterated her government’s commitment to justice. However, the parents of the deceased doctor expressed dissatisfaction with the Chief Minister’s statements, claiming they have not received adequate support in their fight for justice. The CBI is appealing the life sentence, seeking the death penalty for the convicted perpetrator.

In addition to the salary increases, Ms. Banerjee announced several other concessions for doctors, including the allowance of private practice after eight hours of duty, and ₹2 crore in funding for sports and cultural activities at each medical college and hospital. The suspension of junior doctors involved in an incident at Medinipur Medical College, where expired saline was administered to pregnant women, has also been lifted.

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