In a significant development, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared a ₹10,000 salary increase for interns, junior doctors, and postgraduate trainees (PGTs) in state-run hospitals. This announcement comes in the wake of the harrowing rape and murder of a 31-year-old female postgraduate trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024. The incident, involving a civic volunteer named Sanjoy Roy who was later convicted for the crime, sparked widespread protests among the medical fraternity, demanding enhanced security and better working conditions.
The brutal assault led to an outpouring of grief and anger, with junior doctors initiating strikes and sit-ins, pressing the state government to address their safety concerns. The protests intensified when discussions between the agitating doctors and the state administration reached an impasse, further straining the healthcare system.
Kolkata, West Bengal: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announces a Rs 10,000 salary hike for state hospital interns, junior doctors, and PGTs pic.twitter.com/fTSHnhBNWr
— IANS (@ians_india) February 24, 2025
Political analysts interpret the salary hike as a strategic move by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government to regain the trust of the medical community ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The administration had faced severe criticism over its handling of the incident and the subsequent protests, with opposition parties questioning its commitment to ensuring the safety of healthcare workers.
As the state approaches the election year, the TMC’s response to this crisis will likely influence its rapport with the medical community and the broader electorate. The effectiveness of this salary hike in addressing the deep-seated issues within the state’s healthcare system remains to be seen.