Teachers Don't Teach
However, the sorry state of affairs at the same university continues with the teachers being on strike for more than two months. They have been demanding payment of dues as per the Sixth Pay Commission and recognition for teachers, who haven’t appeared for NET exams and were appointed between April 1991and January 2000. Although the degree exams were conducted, the results may get delayed. Finally, the Bombay High Court has stepped in and said that the striking Maharashtra Federation of University and College Teachers Organisation (MFUCTO) and the state government should reach an “amicable settlement” by April 30. Wonder what the students, who have been appearing for exams amidst delays and question papers with mistakes, have to say about this.
The Doctors' Demands
Teaching and practicing medicine may still be considered noble professions, but things haven’t been easy for the practitioners. Earlier this week, nearly 2000 over-worked and under-paid resident doctors of three municipal hospitals went on strike demanding better pay, fixed hours and security (from angry relatives?). After more than 200 surgeries were postponed in two days, the Bombay High Court told them to return to work in a day’s time or else face action. The government was considering whether to evoke the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA). The medical colleges also threatened expulsions from hostels and post graduate courses. Among all the warnings was a promise of increase in pay and consideration of other demands. We are not sure what worked, the promises or the warnings, because as we write this, the doctors have announced calling off their strike and are scheduled to return to work starting tomorrow.