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Protest against `caste discrimination'

Staff Reporter

UP IN ARMS: Members of the Progressive Medicos and Scientists Forum protesting against "caste discrimination" at AIIMS in New Delhi on Thursday. Photo: Anu Pushkarna

NEW DELHI: Demanding strict action based on the findings of the recently released Thorat Committee report on caste discrimination at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here, senior faculty members, resident doctors and students of AIIMS and Maulana Azad Medical College held a dharna at Jantar Mantar in the Capital on Thursday under the banner of Progressive Medicos and Scientists Forum (PMSF).

Stern action demanded

"We demand stern and efficacious action against individuals identified by the Thorat Committee, who have been involved in perpetuating caste-based discrimination at AIIMS. The committee has clearly highlighted the role of AIIMS director P. Venugopal in playing a pro-active role in the organisation of the anti-reservation agitation,'' said PMSF spokesperson Vikas Bajpai.

"From the report of the committee, what was being referred to as allegations of caste discrimination till yesterday have now been documented as evidenced facts,'' he added.

The protestors are demanding that Dr. Venugopal be removed from the post of AIIMS Director with immediate effect in the larger public interest.

"We also want the Government to redress the loss suffered by individual students, resident doctors and faculty members belonging to the reserved category due to acts of omission and commission of the Institute administration. Also, the recommendations made by the committee to resolve the caste discrimination on the campus should be given effect to,'' said a PMSF member.

The protesters also claimed that while the Prime Minister had found time to meet the anti-reservation group, requests by PMSF to meet him had not been taken into consideration. A PMSF delegation later submitted a memorandum to the Lok Sabha Speaker inviting the attention of Parliament to the issue.

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