The West Bengal government recently faced scrutiny in the Supreme Court over its practice of assigning civic volunteers to secure places like hospitals and educational institutions. The debate arose from a recent case involving RG Kar Medical College, where a civic volunteer was allegedly implicated in a serious crime. This incident has raised concerns about public safety and the accountability of civic volunteer appointments, pushing the state government to justify its recruitment practices in front of the nation’s highest court.
On October 15, a petition was heard in the Supreme Court highlighting allegations from a doctors’ association, claiming that West Bengal’s “Nigh-time Companions” (Raatrir Saathi) initiative involves appointing civic volunteers for hospital security. This has raised alarm due to a recent incident where a female doctor was reportedly assaulted by a civic volunteer. In response, Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud posed six pressing questions to the state administration, emphasizing the necessity of transparency in volunteer appointments for sensitive roles. He firmly stated that civic volunteers should not be deployed in schools or hospitals due to the risks posed.
Supreme Court’s Six Questions to West Bengal Government
The Supreme Court’s chief justice raised six critical questions about the legality, qualifications, and funding of civic volunteer roles in sensitive areas:
- Legal Basis: On what legal grounds are civic volunteers appointed in West Bengal?
- Recruitment Process: What is the selection and appointment process for civic volunteers?
- Qualifications: What specific qualifications are required for these volunteers?
- Background Checks: Are background checks conducted to screen for any criminal history?
- Appointment Sites: In which institutions or sectors are these volunteers assigned?
- Funding and Budget: What funding sources are allocated for paying these volunteers?
The West Bengal government has been directed to respond to these queries in an affidavit by November 5. The court’s chief justice also advised against assigning civic volunteers to schools or hospitals until further clarification is provided. With Justice Chandrachud set to retire on November 10, this hearing on Tuesday could be the last in which he addresses the RG Kar case unless he schedules additional hearings.
Background of the RG Kar Case and the Government’s Response
The RG Kar incident has highlighted broader issues of safety and transparency in the civic volunteer system. Following the tragic incident involving a female medical student, the state government was urged to overhaul the hospital welfare committees and establish an “Integrated Hospital Management System” (IHMS). This system is designed to enhance hospital operations with features like online OPD ticket booking, e-prescriptions, and an online referral system. The state’s progress in implementing IHMS, including data on bed availability and real-time service updates, will also be presented before the Supreme Court.
Critics argue that the civic volunteer system lacks the rigor and safeguards of formal law enforcement or institutional security staff. In particular, the absence of consistent training and background verification raises questions about the suitability of civic volunteers in high-risk environments such as hospitals.
RG Kar Case: Parallel Investigations by CBI
Two cases connected to the RG Kar incident are under Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) review: the criminal case involving assault and homicide and an associated financial mismanagement case. The primary accused in the assault case, a civic volunteer, has been officially charged. As of the most recent hearing in Sealdah Court, the accused remains the sole individual identified in the case. Meanwhile, the financial mismanagement allegations in the Alipore Court reveal what the CBI describes as a “deep-rooted conspiracy.” Updates on both cases will be submitted to the Supreme Court this Tuesday.
The Role of the National Task Force in Ensuring Hospital Safety
In response to the RG Kar incident, the Supreme Court has directed the central government to create an 11-member National Task Force focusing on security in medical institutions. The task force aims to prevent gender-based violence and ensure a secure work environment for healthcare professionals. The Supreme Court has directed the central government to produce an update on this task force by Tuesday, detailing steps taken to safeguard doctors, particularly female professionals, in hospitals nationwide.
The situation underscores the need for more structured oversight and rigorous standards in sensitive workplaces. The RG Kar incident has reignited the debate around civic volunteer deployments in security roles, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and accountability in safeguarding public institutions.