Relay fast continues in AIIMS

New Delhi, Dec 20 (UNI) A batch of 20 AIIMS resident doctors today replaced 25 doctors on a hunger strike since Thursday night in protest against the passage to the controversial OBC Reservation Bill in Parliament.

The indefinite hunger strike by Residents doctors was yesterday turned into a relay protest as the fasting doctors were showing acute signs of weakness.

The decision was taken to ensure that patient care in the institute was not affected and the services continued smoothly.

The residents were reporting on duty despite being on the hunger strike.

AIIMS RDA president Dr Kumar Harsh said the agitation against the bill will continue.

The AIIMS RDA has sought an appointment with President A P J Abdul Kalam to express their reservation over the Bill. They are also considering filing another plea in the Supreme Court.

''We have sought an appointment with Dr Kalam and hope that he will give us a patient hearing. We don't want the country to be divided on caste lines,'' Dr Harash said.

The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Bill, 2006, which provides for 27 per cent quota for OBC students in higher educational institutions maintained and aided by the Union Government, was approved by both Houses of Parliament last week.

The AIIMS RDA, under the banner of Youth for Equality, had started and spearheaded the anti-quota agitation since May.

Students from almost all institutions took to streets in May and September in protest against OBC reservation.

The doctors have appealed the public to support the anti-quota agitation.

UNI NR MIR GC2024