Calcutta Medical College row: Demands not met, students to go on mass hunger strike

More than 50 students of Calcutta Medical College threatened to go on a mass hunger strike on Wednesday citing that their demand for accommodation in a new hostel, which is alloted only for first year students, have not been met.

The students of second, third and fourth year were on hunger strike outside the principal’s chamber to press for their demand. The hunger strike by six senior students of the hospital entered eighth day on Tuesday.

Earlier the students fixed the deadline till 9 pm, and conveyed it to the college administration.

Speaking to the indian express, Sheikh Md Sagir, a final-year student of Calcutta Medical College said, “The students will go on a mass hunger strike as the authorities failed to fulfill their demands. Over 50 students will sit for a mass hunger strike from tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, there was a rumour that Dr. Ramanuj Sinha was commissioned as an acting principal in the absence of Principal Uchhal K Bhadra. Sinha, however, said he did not take the charge of acting principal and had nothing to do with the protest.

Students during the hunger strike at Calcutta Medical College.

The principal of the state-run College and Hospital was taken ill in his office, as the hunger strike by six senior students outside his chamber entered eighth day. Principal Uchhal Bhadra fell sick in his chamber and he was taken to the emergency section of the hospital and treated, said an official, adding that he is now stable.

Principal of Calcutta Medical College, Uchhal K Bhadra was taken to SSKM hospital.

“The condition of the protesting students is deteriorating with each passing day. Already three students have been admitted to the hospital. There should be an amicable solution to this current problem and a brisk action should be taken,” said an ex-student of 2008 batch who is now working at MR Bangur Hospital, Kolkata.

Calcutta Medical College row: Why are the students protesting

The issue revolves around a newly constructed 11-storey hostel. The students who were residing in the old building wanted to be shifted to the new one. However, college authorities had issued a notification saying only freshers would be given accommodation in the new building. They pointed out that rules set by the Medical Council of India (MCI) required new students to be given separate accommodation to avoid ragging.

“The condition of the students is deteriorating everyday. Already three students have been admitted to the hospital. There should be an amicable solution to this current problem and brisk action should be taken,” said an ex-student of 2008.

So far, Principal Uchhal K Bhadra has refused to accept the students’ demand concerning the new hostel. He, however, agreed to the demand calling for a qualified MD hostel superintendent instead of an RMO. A meeting held on Friday between Bhadra, the protesters and the hostel administration failed to yield results.

A moment of protest at the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.

“Total 106 students of the first year had applied to the hostel. Many of them already reside in Kolkata, still, everyone who applied got accommodation. On the contrary, there are several students of the second and third years who have come from Darjeeling, Midnapore and other districts but are yet to get accommodation. Our only demand is that college authority must ensure a transparent hostel allotment system. Students must get accommodation on the basis of seniority and distance of their hometown from the college. A second-year student of Midnapore is definitely more deserving than a first-year student who stays in Rajabazar or any other part of Kolkata,” final-year student Sheikh Md Sagir had told The Indian Express.
News Source (Indian Express)