All security personnel employed by the ERS in West Bengal hospitals are ex-servicemen
The Ex-Servicemen Resettlement Society (ERS), operating under the West Bengal Rajya Sainik Board (WBRSB), has called for comprehensive security measures in hospitals across West Bengal. This follows the tragic incident at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, where a junior doctor was raped and murdered last month. In response, the ERS is pushing for thorough security surveys, better CCTV coverage, and enhanced communication tools like handheld radios (walkie-talkies).
The ERS currently provides security services to 56 government hospitals across the state, including R.G. Kar Medical College. Col Partha Pratim Barik, patron of ERS and secretary of WBRSB, addressed security supervisors and senior personnel in the city on Sunday, highlighting the need for improved safety protocols in hospitals. He stressed the importance of maintaining effective fire-fighting preparedness and called for close coordination with local police outposts to prevent further incidents.
Col Barik underscored the need for live CCTV monitoring in hospital security control rooms and instructed supervisors to keep detailed security logbooks. He emphasized the importance of protecting patients, particularly women, and ensuring a safe working environment for female employees. “Any security personnel found guilty of indiscipline, political involvement, corruption, or harassment towards women will face strict disciplinary action, including being handed over to the police,” Barik warned.
All security personnel employed by the ERS in West Bengal hospitals are ex-servicemen. The ERS has created employment opportunities for nearly 500 former military personnel in the state, but concerns have been raised about the wages paid to these individuals. While ex-servicemen in other states earn between Rs 23,000 to Rs 30,000 per month, those in West Bengal are paid significantly less—around Rs 14,000, as set by the Department of Labour, Government of West Bengal.
The security personnel are placed at hospitals under the supervision of the Medical Superintendent and Vice Principal or Registrar, in collaboration with local police authorities. The ERS has reiterated its demand for better resources, including live CCTV monitoring in security control rooms, functional firefighting equipment, and walkie-talkies for on-ground communication.
The ERS also clarified that no ex-servicemen were assigned to the floor where the crime occurred at R.G. Kar Medical College on the day of the incident. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the case, has questioned two security supervisors from R.G. Kar, both ex-servicemen, as well as 30 civilian security guards. Following the investigation, two civilian guards were suspended.
As the investigation continues, the ERS remains committed to strengthening security measures in hospitals, ensuring better safety for patients and staff, and addressing wage disparities for ex-servicemen in West Bengal.
