However, there has been no consensus on revised pay scales the main demand of resident doctors with the government saying that the financial situation is ``grim''. Thus, resident doctors will continue with their proposed indefinite strike from November 22, Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) organising secretary and spokesperson Dr Rajas Deshpande said today.

The committee was set up after MARD representatives met with the minister today as a result of their one-day token strike on November 1. Over 4000 resident doctors struck work to demand a better salary structure and living and workingconditions. They say that they are paid less than their counterparts in North Indian states.

The panel constituted today will submit its report by January 31, Khanvilkar said. The problems it will study include duty hours, accommodation and medical facilities. The fee structure will also be studied as there are disparities in the fees for the resident doctors in civic hospitals and government ones, Khanvilkar said. However, the main demand for increased salaries is not going to be taken up. ``I told the resident doctors that we cannot assure them now about the financial aspect,'' Khanvilkar said. ``I will consult the finance department after November 15... The situation is very grim,'' he added.