Journalist, three family members from Kushtia among nine killed in Kolkata hotel fire
Debashish Dutta, his wife, son and father-in-law went to India for medical treatment
Kolkata hotel fire: 'The staff were fast asleep'
A devastating fire at a Kolkata hotel claimed nine lives, including a child and two women, in the early hours of Wednesday. Survivors recounted a terrifying experience, highlighting the absence of fire alarms and safety equipment, and the difficulty of escape due to dense smoke and a single exit. This incident follows another fatal hotel fire in Birbhum.
Kolkata Hotel Fire Kills 9, Six Injured; 80 Rescued As Safety Norms Face Serious Questions
A massive hotel fire in Kolkatas Mirza Ghalib Street has killed at least nine people and injured six others. Around 80 people were rescued from the five-storey building, while dense smoke made the rescue operation difficult. Officials said the deceased were reportedly Bangladeshi citizens visiting Kolkata for medical treatment. West Bengal Fire Minister Kaushik Chowdhury raised concerns over alleged safety and construction violations, while a short circuit is being considered as a possible cause. Meanwhile, another hotel fire in Birbhums Tarapith killed eight people, taking the two-day toll to at least 17.
West Bengal Government to Audit Hotels Following Kolkata Fire Incident
Kolkata, August 19: The West Bengal government has decided to conduct an audit of all hotels and lodges in Kolkata following a recent fire incident. State Fire Services Minister Kaushik Choudhury announced this decision on Wednesday. Minister Choudhury stated that he had a detailed discussion with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari regarding the matter. It was ... Read more West Bengal Government to Audit Hotels Following Kolkata Fire Incident
Tripura Human Rights Commission Seeks Compliance on Rs 1.5 Lakh Compensation to Convict
Agartala, August 19, 2026: The Tripura Human Rights Commission has dropped proceedings over the non-compliance with its earlier recommendation to shift convict prisoner Sarathi Sarkar to SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, after noting that he has already undergone treatment at AGMC & GBP Hospital in Agartala and has largely recovered. The Commission, in its order dated July... The post Tripura Human Rights Commission Seeks Compliance on Rs 1.5 Lakh Compensation to Convict first appeared on Northeast Today .
Gold Rate Today, Aug 19: Gold prices down in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across Indian cities on August 19
Kartik Aryan Bags Another Brand Endorsement Deal
The association reflects Baazar Kolkata's commitment to connecting with the aspirations of modern Indian families while strengthening its presence across the country.
Nine killed, several injured in massive hotel fire in Kolkatas Mirza Ghalib Street
Nine killed, several injured in massive hotel fire in Kolkatas Mirza Ghalib Street
These twin restaurants in Kolkata, TUA and Synthe, share an address, but nothing more
At least nine killed in hotel fire in India
Aug 19 (Reuters) At least nine people were killed, including a child, in a fire at a hotel in Indias eastern city of Kolkata on Wednesday, local police said. The fire broke out at around 2:50 a.m. local time on the second floor of the hotel building and was brought under control within an hour, a senior police officer told Reuters. Around 30 people were evacuated safely in the incident, which may have been triggered by electrical short circuiting, the officer said. The exact cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained, he added. Local media reported injuries,
Kolkata Hotel Fire: At Least 9 Killed, Several Injured in Early-Morning Blaze
At least nine people were killed and several others injured after a massive fire broke out at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata in the early hours of Wednesday, officials said. The blaze reportedly erupted at around 2 am, triggering a rescue operation as firefighters and emergency personnel rushed to the spot. [] The post Kolkata Hotel Fire: At Least 9 Killed, Several Injured in Early-Morning Blaze appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
9 Dead, 6 Injured in Kolkata Hotel Fire; Bangladeshis Among Deceased
Kolkata hotel fire kills nine, including a four-year-old child, and injures six others. Bangladeshis are among the deceased as a probe into the blaze begins.
CJP Alleges BJP Pressure Led To Cancellation Of Kolkata Meet-Up
BJP Dismisses Charges As Baseless; CJP Claims Six Other Halls Also Refused To Host Event
Kolkata Hotel Fire: 9 Dead, Including Child; Several Injured In Midnight Blaze
Nine people died and six were injured after a midnight hotel fire engulfed central Kolkata.
Bangladeshis among 9 killed in Kolkata hotel fire
A devastating fire in a five-storey building housing multiple hotels in central Kolkata resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, including a child, and injured six others. Firefighters rescued 80 individuals, but dense smoke hampered operations. Authorities suspect a short circuit and allege significant safety and construction norm violations by the building management. The owner is currently absconding, and police have initiated legal proceedings and raids.
9 Bangladeshis killed in Kolkata hotel fire
Initial reports suggest an AC explosion may have sparked the fire
Tragic Hotel Fire in Kolkata Claims Nine Lives, Including a Child
Kolkata, August 19: A devastating fire broke out at a hotel on Free School Street in Kolkatas New Market area during the midnight hours between Tuesday and Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals, including a child. Six others sustained injuries and were hospitalized for treatment. Firefighters and a disaster management team responded promptly ... Read more Tragic Hotel Fire in Kolkata Claims Nine Lives, Including a Child
Kolkata Hotel Fire: 9 Bangladeshi Citizens Killed, 6 Injured In Mirza Galib Street Blaze
At least nine people died, and six were injured in a fire at a hotel on Mirza Galib Street in central Kolkata early on Wednesday night, police said. The deceased were Bangladeshi citizens who arrived here for medical treatment. Five fire
Kolkata fire: At least nine dead in massive hotel fire
Five fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the blaze that erupted at a hotel on Mirza Galib Street in central Kolkata around 1.45 am.
Massive Kolkata hotel fire kills 9, several injured
The blaze erupted around 2 a.m.; at least 15 others were rescued from the hotel
At least 9 killed, six injured in massive fire at hotel in Kolkata
At least nine people died, and six were injured in a fire at a hotel on Mirza Galib Street in central Kolkata early on Wednesday night, police said. Five fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the blaze that erupted around 1.45 am. Police and Disaster Management Department personnel reached the spot for the rescue operation. The injured have been taken to a nearby hospital. The dense smoke made it difficult for firefighters to climb the staircase and reach the upper floors. While nine people have died, more deaths are feared, a police officer told PTI. Our priority is to rescue those trapped and determine the reasons for the fire. The flames have been doused, and the cooling process is underway, he added. West Bengal Fire Department headquarters is located close to the hotel building.
Kolkata Hotel Tragedy: Nine Killed, Six Injured In Massive Fire Near New Market
A major fire on Kolkata's Free School Street killed at least nine people and injured six as it spread to nearby hotels, prompting rescue and firefighting efforts.
At least nine dead in massive Kolkata hotel fire
Kolkata, Aug 19: At least nine people died, and six were injured in a fire at a hotel on Mirza Galib Street in central Kolkata early on Wednesday night, police said. Five fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the blaze that erupted around 1.45 am. Police and Disaster Management Department personnel reached the spot for the rescue operation. The injured have been taken to a nearby hospital. The dense smoke made it difficult for firefighters to climb the staircase and reach the upper floors. While nine people have died, more deaths are feared, a police officer told PTI. Our priority is to rescue those trapped and determine the reasons for the fire. The flames have been doused, and the cooling process is underway, he added. West Bengal Fire Department headquarters is located close to the hotel building.
9 Bangladeshi Nationals Killed In Kolkata Hotel Fire, AC Blast Suspected
Initial reports suggest the fire may have been triggered by an air-conditioner explosion, though the exact cause is yet to be confirmed.
9 Dead In Fire At Hotel In Kolkata, AC Blast Suspected
At least nine people, including a child, were killed after a massive fire broke out at a hotel in Kolkata in the early hours of Wednesday. The blaze erupted around 2:00 am, trapping several guests inside the building and triggering a major rescue operation. Initial reports suggest the fire may have been triggered by an air-conditioner explosion, though the exact cause is yet to be confirmed. The fire broke out at a hotel on Free School Street near New Market, one of the city's busiest and most densely populated areas.
Kolkata hotel fire: Nine dead, six injured in massive blaze at Mirza Ghalib Street in West Bengal
A massive fire erupted at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata. At least nine people died and six others were injured in the incident. All deceased individuals were identified as Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment. Firefighters rushed to the scene and worked through the night to control the blaze. The exact cause of the devastating fire remains under investigation by authorities.
Nine killed as fire rips through hotel at Kolkata's Mirza Ghalib Street
At least nine people were killed after a fire broke out at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata in the early hours of Wednesday. According to initial reports, the fire started shortly after 2...
JSU challenges Shree Cement mining in NGT, eyes High Court next
Shillong, Aug 18:The Jaintia Students Union (JSU) filed an application before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Eastern Zone Bench in Kolkata, challenging Shree Cements proposed 217.394-hectare mining project in Jaintia Hills. A JSU delegation led by Education Secretary Bocheru Mi Pohsnem, with President Jersom Shylla and Assistant Finance Secretary Wansalan Dame Patwet, submitted evidence after [] The post JSU challenges Shree Cement mining in NGT, eyes High Court next first appeared on Highland Post .
9 killed after massive fire breaks out at hotel in Kolkata
A Kolkata hotel fire claimed nine lives early Wednesday morning. Six individuals sustained injuries and received immediate medical attention. Meanwhile, a separate incident in Birbhum resulted in seven fatalities. This second fire occurred at a private hotel in Tarapith on Tuesday. Investigations into the causes of both tragic fires are currently underway.
Kolkata High Court Issues Interim Stay on Verification of Caste Certificates in West Bengal
Kolkata, August 19: The Calcutta High Court has ordered an interim stay on a recent notification from the West Bengal government regarding the verification of caste certificates issued in the state. The division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Tapa Brata Chakraborty and Justice Atarup Banerjee, stated that the stay on the governments notification, issued on ... Read more Kolkata High Court Issues Interim Stay on Verification of Caste Certificates in West Bengal
Pressers, meetings cancelled in Kolkata due to BJP pressure: CJP
You cannot stop the cockroaches in this way. The more they try to prevent us, the more youth will come forward, says co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka
Kolkata High Court Expresses Discontent Over Appointment of School Teachers for Census Work
Kolkata, August 19: The Kolkata High Court expressed its dissatisfaction on Tuesday regarding the appointment of school teachers for census work in West Bengal. Justice Krishna Rao, presiding over a single-judge bench, questioned whether the central government consulted the state government before deciding to appoint school teachers for this task. Earlier, the Kolkata High Court ... Read more Kolkata High Court Expresses Discontent Over Appointment of School Teachers for Census Work
West Bengal Minister Accuses TMC of Corruption in Tea Gardens
Kolkata, August 19: West Bengals Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh has recently alleged that during the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regime, numerous tea garden lands in North Bengal were sold illegally. He claims that the proceeds from these unlawful sales were funneled into the TMC party fund. Ghosh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from Siliguri, made ... Read more West Bengal Minister Accuses TMC of Corruption in Tea Gardens
Rs 6.54-Crore Phensedyl Seizure at Agartala: Tripura Crime Branch Arrests Three Accused from Kolkata
Agartala, August 19, 2026: The Crime Branch has arrested three persons from Kolkata in connection with the seizure of a large consignment of Phensedyl cough syrup at Agartala Railway Station. Two of the accused, identified as Sanjay Yadav and Ranojoy Kumar, have already been brought to Agartala, while the third accused, Chandan Ojha, was brought... The post Rs 6.54-Crore Phensedyl Seizure at Agartala: Tripura Crime Branch Arrests Three Accused from Kolkata first appeared on Northeast Today .
Ritabrata provisional LoP, appointment valid for 2 months: Calcutta HC
HC stays Bengal govt order on review of all TMC-era caste certs
Bengal govt to move judicial panel over tea-garden land scam
Govt plans kite, balloon fest on Vishwakarma Puja
Man loses Rs 95K to AI voice scam
BJP man in cop net for assault, extortion
ASI arrested on kidnap & rape charges
Fire on second floor ATC bldg terrace, no impact on flight ops
PM scheme for mothers from Oct: Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari
JUTA writes to higher education minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay on promotions
Calcutta HC rejects PIL on loudspeaker order
1 dead, 26 rescued as 2 dilapidated buildings collapse in north Kolkata
CJP forced to change meeting venue, pushes for better edu infra in Bengal
Traffic slows down as potholes show up after rain
Why Centre not consulting state: Calcutta High Court on govt school teachers census duty
Protests Erupt Against TMC MP Sougata Roy Outside Kolkata Airport
Kolkata, August 18: A group of protesters, including members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), confronted Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sougata Roy outside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Tuesday. The demonstrators surrounded Roys vehicle, waving black flags and displaying shoes in a show of dissent. They chanted slogans such as Go back and ... Read more Protests Erupt Against TMC MP Sougata Roy Outside Kolkata Airport
EKW at 25: A Ramsar site in need of rescue
DH Road widening on cards after inspection by MLA, cops, PWD
IIT-Kgp launches Rs 1,000-cr campus modernisation drive on Platinum Jubilee
Bengal plans tea tourism circuit in Hills
Tricolour rakhis to liven up Raksha Bandhan
Kolkata dancer found dead in Jakkanpur flat
CJP Meeting in Kolkata Canceled Amid Allegations of Intimidation
Kolkata, August 18: The Cockroach Peoples Party (CJP) has reportedly canceled its scheduled meeting in Kolkata due to last-minute refusal from the venue owner. The meeting was set to take place in a hall in North Kolkata. CJP co-convener Ashutosh Ranka announced the cancellation on social media Tuesday afternoon. In his post, Ranka stated, Our ... Read more CJP Meeting in Kolkata Canceled Amid Allegations of Intimidation
Meghalaya limestone mining: NGT plea challenges Shree Cement public hearing
Shillong: A fresh application before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has challenged the environmental public hearing held on July 31, 2026, for Shree Cement Limiteds proposed 217.394-hectare limestone mining project at Lum Syrmian/Daistong in East Jaintia Hills district. The application, filed before the NGTs Eastern Zone Bench in Kolkata by Bocheru Mi Pohsnem, Jersom Shylla [] The post Meghalaya limestone mining: NGT plea challenges Shree Cement public hearing appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Queries rise for Ayushman admissions
Bengal health min launches drive against child marriage, bats for two-child policy
1 dead, 15 injured as 3-storey building collapses in Kolkata after heavy rain
dead injured as storey building collapses in Kolkata after heavy rain
10th day of quizzing for Abhisheks PA Sumit Roy
Saugata Roy faces BJP protest at airport
15 hotels sealed in Tarapith fire safety crackdown
Ritabrata Banerjee Remains Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Amid Legal Dispute
Kolkata, August 18: Ritabrata Banerjee, a former Trinamool Congress MLA expelled from the party, will continue to serve as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. The Calcutta High Courts division bench has referred a petition challenging Banerjees appointment back to a single bench. Justices Shampa Sarkar and Ajay Kumar Gupta declined ... Read more Ritabrata Banerjee Remains Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Amid Legal Dispute
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari said the initial budgetary allocation of 36,000 crore would not be sufficient for the cash transfer scheme given the growing number of beneficiaries
Tragic Fire in Tarapith: 15 Hotels Near Temple Shut Indefinitely
Kolkata, August 18: A devastating fire at the Bidheshini Hotel in Tarapith, located in West Bengals Birbhum district, has claimed the lives of nine individuals. In response to this tragedy, authorities have ordered the indefinite closure of 15 hotels situated near the renowned Tara Temple. Following the fire, police arrested the hotels main owner, Probith ... Read more Tragic Fire in Tarapith: 15 Hotels Near Temple Shut Indefinitely
Kolkata High Court Dismisses Petition Against Public Address System Directives
Kolkata, August 18: The Kolkata High Courts division bench dismissed a petition on Tuesday that challenged the West Bengal polices verbal order to remove loudspeakers and microphones from state mosques. While rejecting the petition, Acting Chief Justice Tapobrata Chakraborty and Justice Atarup Banerjee clarified that the court would not issue any orders based solely on ... Read more Kolkata High Court Dismisses Petition Against Public Address System Directives
CID to Investigate Death of Former TMC Councillors Husband in West Bengal
Kolkata, August 18: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police has taken over the investigation into the death of Birju Keot, husband of former Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Jenny Sharma, which occurred while he was in police custody. Following the incident, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari acknowledged that there was some negligence on the ... Read more CID to Investigate Death of Former TMC Councillors Husband in West Bengal
BJP Threats, State Pressure Led To Kolkata Meet-Up Cancellation: CJP Leader
CJP leader Asutosh Ranka made the allegations in a post on X, claiming that the event at Bharat Sabha Hall was cancelled after the venue owners were allegedly threatened.
CJP event in Kolkata cancelled, Ranka alleges threats from BJP leaders
CJP event in Kolkata cancelled Ranka alleges threats from BJP leaders
From Puchka to a national QSR: Sagar Daryani-backed Wah! Foods targets Rs. 250 crore revenue by FY30
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 18: Wah! Foods, the company behind Wah! Puchka and Wah! Litti, has outlined plans to achieve 250 crore in annual revenue by FY30 as it builds a nationally recognised Indian street-food QSR platform.
L&T Finance to open 500 gold loan branches
Non-bank lender L&T Finance is planning to open 500 gold loan branches in this financial year, increasing its network from 330 branches as of March 31, to expand its footprint in the sector that is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 30% for the next two years.The expansion follows the companys entry into the gold loan market last year through the acquisition of the gold loan business of Chandigarh-based Paul Merchants Finance Private Ltd. L&T Finance paid Rs 537 crore for the all-cash deal, which helped it acquire a Rs 1,350 crore loan book, 130 branches and 700 employees.Gold loan serves as one of the key drivers of our growth agenda, as L&T Finance continues its transformation into a risk-first, tech-first, AI (artificial intelligence)-native retail financial institution, chief operating officer Raju Dodti said in Kolkata.Also read: UPI costs Rs 20,700 crore, government allocation just Rs 2,000 crore: Parliament PanelHe said that while the lender aims to grow more than 20% at the enterprise level, its gold loan business is expected to increase over 50%, albeit on a low base.Credit rating agency ICRA projected a more than 30% compound annual growth rate in organised gold loans by banks and non-bank financial companies during 2026-27 and 2027-28, surpassing Rs 30 lakh crore by March 2028 from Rs 18.5 lakh crore at the end of March this year.
Fire breaks out in old ATC building of Kolkata Airport, no injury reported
A fire broke out at the old Air Traffic Control (ATC) building of N S C Bose International Airport here on Tuesday, officials said. There was no report of any injury or any flight disruptions due to the fire, they said. Airport employees noticed the fire on the third floor of the building. Two fire tenders were rushed to the spot, which brought the blaze under control, officials said. The fire was brought under control and did not spread to other parts of the building, Airport director Vikram Singh said. Fire broke out in an open area on the third floor of the old ATC building. It was brought under control and did not spread, Singh said. According to preliminary assessments by fire officials, the old ATC building had been decorated with string lights on the occasion of Independence Day. The fire is suspected to have been caused by a short circuit in one of the decorative lights. Airport authorities said that there was no major damage in the incident. The exact cause of the fire
Fire At Kolkata Airport's Air Traffic Control Building, Flight Ops Unaffected
According to airport staff, the security guards and other staff on duty suddenly saw flames coming out of the second floor of the ATC building at around 4 am.
Baazar Style Retail locked at 5% upper circuit for 3rd day; here's why
Established in 2013, Baazar Style Retail is a value fashion retailer, based out of Kolkata. It has a strong retail footprint across Eastern India, with a dominant presence in West Bengal.
Gold Rate Today, Aug 18: Gold prices up in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across Indian cities on August 18
Historic Building Collapses in Kolkata, One Woman Dead, 19 Trapped
Kolkata, August 18: A portion of a 200-year-old building collapsed early Tuesday morning in North Kolkata after heavy rainfall overnight. The incident resulted in the death of one woman, while 19 others remain trapped under the debris. The deceased has been identified as Urmila Shaw. The building is located on Brajadulal Street in the Shimla-Bedon ... Read more Historic Building Collapses in Kolkata, One Woman Dead, 19 Trapped
Jharkhand Governments Delay Criticized by West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh
Kolkata, August 18: West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh has reacted sharply to the Jharkhand governments decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL exam and all tests conducted by TDP. He stated that the government should have made this decision two weeks ago, avoiding unnecessary drama that has troubled students. Ghosh questioned, Why did the Jharkhand government take ... Read more Jharkhand Governments Delay Criticized by West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh
1 killed, 19 injured after building collapses in Kolkata; rescue operations underway
Fire breaks out on 2nd-floor extended terrace of ATC building at Kolkata airport
Vande Mataram added to official events this year; people may take time to adjust to it: CM Omar
Srinagar, Aug 17: J ammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said people will take time to get used to singing the national song as it has been added to official functions only this year. Commenting on the controversy surrounding Congress leaders alleged disrespect to Vande Mataram, Abdullah said there should be no controversy as all verses of the national song were sung. Congress also gave a clarification from its side. It said, look at the video, all three verses of VandeMataram were sung there. So what is the controversy here? They were sung. It will take us a little time to get used to it. This is the first time that this has been included. We are also adjusting a little bit, Abdullah told reporters here. A complaint filed with the Delhi Police recently sought registration of an FIR against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for alleged obstruction when Vande Mataram was being sung during the partys Independence Day function at its headquarters in Delhi. The Congress has asserted that there was no attempt to stop the singing of the full version, while maintaining that in 1937, a meeting of the Congress Working Committee in Kolkata decided that the initial stanzas of Vande Mataram would be sung at the Congress sessions. Abdullah said the Independence Day parade on Saturday was the eighth he had attended as the chief minister, but the national song was played for the first time. This was my eighth Independence Day parade, but it was for the first time VandeMataram was included in it. It took me some time to understand that first I will stand up, Vande Mataram will play, then I will unfurl the flag, then the National Anthem will play. Perhaps Congress also took time to adjust; it happens, he said. Abdullah refused to comment on PDP president Mehbooba Muftis post on X in which the former chief minister said she was a dimaaginaxal as she supported the restoration of Article 370. Why are you asking me to explain or speak about what she tweets? It is her Twitter account, her daughter runs it, let her tweet what she likes, he added. On the student protests in Jharkhand, Abdullah said there must be some truth to the protesters demands as the government there has held one round of talks with them. If the students demands are legitimate and correct, then somewhere they should sit down and talk. If they are not, then say it straight that their talk has no weight. If one round of talks has taken place, and you are saying there will be a second round, then somewhere there must be some truth to their demands. Whatever you can do, do it, he added. The chief minister reiterated that matters such as education and health are state subjects as per the devolution of powers. This fault is not just of the BJP; various Central governments have played a role in weakening the states. The agencies that have been formed, the powers these agencies have received -- it is not just because of the BJP. The UPA government, unfortunately, had a role in this, he said. Abdullah said had there not been centralisation of examinations like NEET, BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan would not have had to resign as the exams are held at the state level. If there was a lapse in any state, the minister of that state would be at fault, but centralising resulted in a lapse somewhere, and the Central minister had to resign. What belongs to the state should be left to the state; what belongs to the Centre, the Centre should handle. The Centres habit of interfering in the states is the reason why Dharmendra Pradhan had to lose his job, he added.
Health Ministry backs NMC action on work-hour violations
Srinagar, Aug 17:The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has informed Parliament that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has the power to take action against medical colleges and institutions violating reasonable working hour rules. The statement came in a written reply by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel in the Lok Sabha. In response to questions linked to a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) case and reports of excessive duty hours, Patel said under the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER), 2023, NMC can take action against the medical colleges not adhering to work and rest hour rules. In her reply, the Minister stated: Case No 441/90/0/2025 of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was referred to Ministry to submit the action taken report on a complaint dated March 17, 2025. The matter was examined in the Ministry in consultation with National Medical Commission (NMC) and submitted the report to NHRC. It was stated that as per regulation 5.2 (ii) of the PGMER, 2023, All post-graduate students will work as full time resident doctors. They will work for reasonable working hours and will be provided reasonable time for rest in a day. The NMC is empowered to take action against the concerned medical college or institution, as per specified under Regulation 9.2 of the PGMER, 2023. Patel has also clarified the constitutional position, stating that public health and hospitals is a state subject and that the respective state governments or UT administrations prescribe norms for doctors working hours. They are also responsible for setting service conditions and the duty rosters in the concerned institutions. The parliamentary response also addressed the situation at R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata. The minister said, The incident at R G Kar Medical College, West Bengal was taken up by the Honble Supreme Court of India in SMW (Crl) No 2 of 2024, wherein the court had constituted a National Task Force (NTF) to formulate recommendations for redressal of the issues regarding safety, well-being and working conditions of medical professionals. The report of NTF had been submitted to the court in November 2024. She said that the NMC Anti-Ragging Committee had met on August 14, 2024, to discuss the various aspects of safety and working conditions of medical students and resident doctors. As an immediate step, the NMC issued an Advisory dated August 13, 2024, to all medical colleges and institutions. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Directorate General of Health Services had also directed all Central Government hospitals and institutes, includinbg AIIMS to ensure filing of institutional FIRs within a maximum of six hours in cases of violence against doctors and healthcare personnel. Advisories had also been issued to states and UTs on August 23, 2024, and September 3, 2024, urging a ramp-up of security to medicos, and safer working environments, especially females. The ministers reply is significant in view of the rising incidents of persistent complaints that postgraduate residents in several medical colleges. The medicos have alleged that they are being made to work 80-100 hours a week. This is far beyond what many consider reasonable. A Public Interest Litigation filed by the United Doctors Front in the Supreme Court seeks enforcement of the Ministrys own 1992 directive limiting resident doctors duty to 12 hours a day, and not more than 48 hours a week. The petition had cited the National Task Force report on the mental health of medical students. It recorded over 150 suicides in 5 years. These, as per the PIL were largely linked to work-related stress and sleep deprivation. The Supreme Court had recently adjourned the hearing after the Centres counter-affidavit was not placed on record. The case is listed for 17 September. In J&K, resident doctors at Government Medical College Jammu, Government Medical College Srinagar and other medical colleges have welcomed the ministrys clear restatement. Several postgraduate students described the ministers written reply as an important official acknowledgment. Reasonable working hours and reasonable time for rest, they said, are obligations on the institutions, they said. A resident from GMC Srinagar said, We welcome this statement. What we need now is a transparent, independent audit of actual duty hours, duty rosters and rest periods across all medical colleges in J&K. Only an audit will show how far the ground reality has drifted from the regulations. He urged both the NMC and the J&K Health and Medical Education Department must invoke the penal provisions under Regulations 9.1 and 9.2 of the PGMER, 2023 against non-complying institutions.
Demands for Investigation into Ashish Banerjees Death Intensify
Kolkata, August 18: Ritabrata Banerjee, the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, has raised concerns regarding the death of Ashish Banerjee. He has also addressed allegations against Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and MP Kirti Azad. In a conversation with a news agency on Monday, Ritabrata Banerjee stated, We are demanding an investigation ... Read more Demands for Investigation into Ashish Banerjees Death Intensify
