JnK hikes MBBS, BDS interns' monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has increased the monthly stipend for MBBS and BDS interns, including Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000, with effect from October 1, 2026.

The Health and Medical Education Department issued Government Order No. 747-JK(HME) of 2026 on October 21, approving the stipend hike. The order, issued by Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Saugat Biswas, IAS, follows a reference from the Finance Department dated October 20, 2026.

With this revision, the monthly stipend will increase by Rs 12,700. The revised amount will be applicable from October 1, 2026.

Earlier, on September 15, 2026, the Finance Department forwarded a representation from the United Doctors Front (UDF), dated September 6, seeking increase the monthly stipend for MBBS and BDS interns from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000. The department asked the Health and Medical Education Department to examine the demand and take further necessary action under the rules.

Also read- JnK MBBS Interns Continue Protest after CM Approval to Rs 25,000 Stipend, Demand Written Order

Finance Department's communication came after MBBS and BDS interns halted their strike following an assurance from the government. Along with examining the stipend hike, the Finance Department had advised the Health and Medical Education Department to review the existing fee structure and take steps to rationalise it in line with the fee structures followed in other States and Union Territories.

The stipend hike follows a protest by interns in September over their demand for an increase in the monthly stipend. On September 8, the government had asked them to call off their agitation and allow a month to address their demands. However, the interns said the deadline had passed without a resolution, prompting them to resume their strike on October 20.

The government has now approved a monthly stipend of Rs 25,000, falling short of the Rs 30,000 sought by the interns in the earlier representation.

Commenting on this, Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, President, All India Medical Students' Association (AIMSA) J&K, told Medical Dialogues, "We welcome the hike in stipend for MBBS and BDS interns and thank everyone who supported them. Now, our focus shifts to PG residents. If states like UP and Delhi are paying PG doctors over Rs 1 lakh, J&K must address this disparity too. Interns got their due. Now it’s time for PG residents."

Meanwhile, United Doctors' Front, in a post on X, said, "Congratulations to every MBBS, BDS & FMG intern across Jammu & Kashmir whose unity, persistence and peaceful struggle have finally delivered a concrete result. This achievement belongs to every intern who stood together, raised their voice, and refused to let a genuine demand remain limited to verbal assurances. United Doctors Front (UDF) is proud to have stood with the interns and taken their demand before the concerned authorities. We appreciate the intervention of @CM_JnK, Hon’ble CM @OmarAbdullah, Health Minister @sakinaitoo and @HealthMedicalE1 in bringing the long-pending matter to a notified conclusion."

Also read- JnK Health Dept to review MBBS interns' stipend hike to Rs 30,000