Doctors still on strike; pro-reservation march in Lucknow

Lucknow, May 22 (UNI) The striking doctors of the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) continued their agitation for the fourth day today even as the Uttar Pradesh government cracked Essential Services Maintenance Act(ESMA) against them.

The doctors along with other anti-reservation protestors including teachers, advocates and students would hold a 'March for Equality' -- a candlelight procession -- in the state capital this evening in support of their demand.

Of the 213 resident doctors at SGPGIMS, 192 are on strike to protest the decision of the Centre to provide reservation to OBCs in government-aided institutions of higher education.

Meanwhile, Ambedkhar Mahasabha today held a march in favour of the reservation which was led by Magsaysay Awardee Sandeep Pandey.

The reservation supporters claimed that it was their right to get opportunity in higher education.

On the other hand, SGPGI resident doctors defied ESMA to continue with the strike paralysing the emergency and OPD services since Friday last.

SGPGI resident doctors assocation president Amit Goel told UNI here that they would continue their strike and any harsh action by the government would not crack their agitation.

He, however, said there was no official announcement of ESMA against the striking doctors of SGPGI.

Yesterday, the state government had declared the strike illegal and gave them 24 hours to return to their duties following which the ''process to terminate their service would begin.'' Some of the MD students too are on strike. They have also been served notice to return to classes in the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, SGPGIMS has ordered cancellation of leave to all senior doctors.

The SGPGIMS has 120 doctors and it is recalling 45 who are on leave. The decision indicated the institute administration's apprehensions that the strike may continue for a while.

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