JnK resident doctors demand stipend revision, warn of protests from November 12

Srinagar: Postgraduate resident doctors across medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir urged the government to revise the stipend structure by November 12, warning they will launch protests across the Union Territory if their concerns remain unresolved.

The demand was raised by the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) during a press conference held at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, where the association highlighted the disparity between the stipends paid to PG resident doctors in J&K and those offered in several other states.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that amid protests by PG resident doctors over low stipends, the administration of Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara had issued show-cause notices to three residents pursuing DNB Medicine, citing unauthorised absence from duty.

Also read- GMC Handwara issues show cause notice to 3 DNB Medicine resident doctors amid stipend protest

The notices were reportedly issued following protests by the doctors demanding a hike in their stipends, citing rising living costs, increasing professional responsibilities and significant disparities with other states and institutions.

Condemning the action, AIMSA demanded the immediate withdrawal of the show-cause notices, alleging that the move was intended to intimidate doctors raising their concerns over low stipends. The association also asked the Jammu and Kashmir Government until November 12 to address the long-pending demands of the doctors. 

During the press conference, AIMSA representatives raised concerns over the existing stipend structure, questioning why PG Resident Doctors in J&K are receiving only Rs 64,000 in the first year and Rs 67,000 in subsequent years, while several other states offer significantly higher stipends to their resident doctors.

They emphasized that PG residents across J&K deserve fair and competitive remuneration in recognition of their demanding clinical responsibilities, extended working hours, and dedicated service to patients. AIMSA called for an urgent revision of the existing stipend structure in line with prevailing standards in other states.

The association also wrote to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, seeking an early resolution of the long-pending stipend-related demands

The association further stated that if the demands remain unaddressed by November 12, AIMSA across J&K, will initiate peaceful and democratic protests throughout the Union Territory.

Commenting on the issue, AIMSA President Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan told Medical Dialogues, "The doctors have set November 12 as the deadline, but the government has not responded to their demands so far. The show-cause notices issued to the doctors should also be revoked."

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