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The Supreme Court of India has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the West Bengal government's handling of security measures following the tragic murder of a doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court, hearing a suo motu case on the matter, raised critical concerns over the state government's recruitment process for civic police volunteers, questioning their qualifications and the potential for political bias in their selection. This concern stems from the fact that the key accused in the doctor's murder was a civic police volunteer, highlighting the vulnerabilities of such a system. The court further demanded data from the state government regarding the recruitment of these volunteers and their specific roles, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that they are not deployed in sensitive areas like hospitals and schools without proper verification.
Beyond the issue of civic volunteers, the court also expressed disappointment with the lack of progress made by the National Task Force (NTF), a body established by the court itself to recommend measures for improving the safety of medical workers. The court pointed out that the NTF had not held a meeting since the first week of September, despite its critical mandate. This inactivity drew sharp criticism from the Supreme Court, which questioned the Solicitor General about the delay and issued a directive for the NTF to complete its tasks within three weeks. This forceful reminder underscores the court's determination to ensure the NTF fulfills its responsibilities in addressing the critical issue of safety for medical professionals.
The Supreme Court's actions in this case are significant, as they highlight the need for a proactive approach to tackling the issue of violence against medical workers. The court's strong language and directives for the West Bengal government and the NTF clearly signal their intention to hold authorities accountable for ensuring a secure environment for doctors and other medical personnel. The court's focus on transparency, accountability, and the need for a swift response to the alarming rise in attacks on medical professionals signals a crucial turning point in addressing this critical issue.