Rs 30,000 stipend demand- JnK MBBS, BDS interns warn of hunger strike

Srinagar: The strike by MBBS and BDS intern doctors across Jammu and Kashmir entered its third day today, with interns continuing their protest at all Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) across the Union Territory.

Their core demand is an immediate increase in the internship stipend from Rs 12,300 per month to Rs 30,000 per month. The protest is currently being held at GMC Jammu, GMC Baramulla, GMC Rajouri, SKIMS, GMC Anantnag, GMC Handwara and SKIMS Bemina.

On September 1, interns also organised peaceful candle marches within the campuses of GMCs across J&K and SKIMS Bemina, reiterating their demand for justice and an early resolution of the long-pending stipend issue.

Medical Dialogues had been reporting on the indefinite strike which began on Monday, August 31, 2026.

Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Monday said the interns' demand is already under consideration by the government and they need not resort to strikes.

However, in response, All India Medical Students' Association (AIMSA) representatives, including Dr Tasaduk, Dr Shahnawaz and Dr Faraz from SKIMS, and Dr Akib from GMC Anantnag, said the government should immediately enhance the stipend instead of repeatedly stating that the file is "under process."

The representatives have stated that if their demands are not addressed, intern doctors may go on a hunger strike in the coming days, while stressing that they have been waiting for a long time for the government to act.

The demand was backed by AIMSA J&K In-charge Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, who urged the government to address the concerns of intern doctors and announce the stipend hike at the earliest.

The interns have maintained that their protest will continue until concrete action is taken and their long-pending demand is resolved.

Also read- JnK MBBS, BDS interns on strike demanding Rs 30k stipend