Chennai: The four week-long strike by students of Medical Colleges in Tamil Nadu took a new turn on May 17, with the government initiating disciplinary proceedings against 1,200 students, following failure of talks.

Speaking to reporters, Health Minister S Semmalai charged the students with "pressurising" the government for a written undertaking stating that the latter would not allow private Medical Colleges in the state.

The Director of Medical Education C Ravindranath said that students facing disciplinary proceedings would not be able to write their examinations.

Representatives of the students, who met Ravindaranath on May 17 morning, told reporters that they would not be deterred by disciplinary proceedings and would intensify their agitation.

The students have been on strike from April 23, demanding Medical Council of India's recognition to as many as 79 courses offered in various government and private Medical Colleges, increase in stipend, ban on opening of private Medical Colleges and withdrawal of moves to revise fees.

Student representatives also presented a memorandum to Ravindaranath, demanding that the state withdraw its order, relaxing its earlier one, stating that there should be a distance of 100 km between two Medical Colleges.

The petition asked the government to request the Centre to amend the Medical Council of India and Dental Council of India Act, providing for giving powers to states to set up Medical and Dental Colleges.

PTI