India, March 15 -- The Maharashtra government has constituted a high-level committee to prepare a strategic framework for granting autonomy to major government medical institutions in the state, including Grant Government Medical College and the Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, among others.

Former chief secretary Jayant Kumar Banthia has been appointed to head the committee, which has been asked to submit its report within three months.

The decision follows a directive from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and comes against the backdrop of protests by resident doctors and medical students from Grant Government Medical College and the Sir JJ Group of Hospitals. The protesters had raised concerns over hostel safety, delays in stipend payments,...