Rajasthan doctors call off strike on 12th day

The New Year began on a positive note with the agitating doctors calling off their 11-day long strike. The government agreed to set up a five-member committee of ministers to look into the demands of the doctors after holding talks with the agitators late in the night. It has also agreed to revoke all disciplinary actions and withdraw cases filed against the doctors during the strike. The government also lifted RESMA and ordered the release of the remaining jailed doctors. Dr Ajay Choudhary and Dr Nasreen Bharti, president and general secretary of Akhil Rajasthan Rajya Sevarat. Chikitsak Sangh, announced to call off the strike late night after a meeting with state Energy Minister Jitendra Singh at his residence.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot earlier held a high-level meeting and decided to lift RESMA and ordered release of the agitating doctors who were put behind bars under the Act. Gehlot decided to set up a committee of five ministers to review the cases lodged against the agitating doctors under RESMA. The panel will also take view on the action of suspension and termination taken against the doctors by the government during the strike, an official said. After the government's decision, a delegation of the agitating doctors met the Energy Minister late at night and held discussion over the issue. They later announced to call off the strike around midnight. The panel comprises of Medical and Health minister Duru Miyan, Energy Minister Jitendra Singh, Industry Minister Rajendra Pareek and MoS (medical) Rajkumar Sharma and MoS (Home) Virendra Beniwal. The in-service government doctors had gone on strike on December 21, demanding pay hike and time-bound promotions. The government had claimed that their genuine demands have already been addressed and vested interest will not be tolerated.