JnK MBBS BDS interns to go on strike over pending stipend hike
Srinagar: The MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir have announced a strike from August 31, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to 30,000.
According to the interns, representatives from medical colleges across the Union Territory have coordinated to raise the long-pending demand. The participating interns have said they will refrain from joining their duties from August 31 until the stipend issue is addressed.
The interns said the protest is a collective demand and is not limited to any particular medical college. They have appealed to their colleagues across J&K to remain united and participate peacefully.
The proposed strike is expected to involve interns from various medical colleges across Jammu and Kashmir, with the interns reiterating their demand for a fair, uniform and timely revision of the internship stipend.
Also read- Rs 12,300 stipend: JnK MBBS, BDS interns await long-pending hike
The interns alleged that despite repeated appeals to the government over the years, no action has been taken to revise their stipend. They are demanding a stipend at par with interns at other states, arguing that they perform similar duties and workloads.
Medical Dialogues in January 2025 reported that the committee, formed by the previous government, had suggested a stipend enhancement to Rs 26,350 per month for the interns. However, despite the recommendation, there has reportedly been no progress from the government’s side even after two years.
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, Health Activist and former Co-Convenor, Indian Medical Association - Junior Doctors' Network J&K also questioned the continued delay in revising the stipend of medical interns in J&K while stating that the UP government have increased the stipend of interns.
Speaking to Medical Dialogues, he said, "If Uttar Pradesh can enhance the internship stipend to Rs 25,000, why is Jammu and Kashmir still delaying a fair revision for its medical interns? Our interns deserve dignity, recognition and fair compensation for their contribution to the healthcare system."
On August 25, the Uttar Pradesh state Cabinet approved the stipend hike of MBBS and BDS interns from around Rs 12,000 to Rs 25,000 per month. The increase in internship stipend will benefit around 3,928 students from government medical colleges, institutions, and medical universities in UP.
He said the interns in J&K are seeking a monthly stipend of Rs 30,000 in view of the responsibilities and workload associated with compulsory internship.
The stipend issue has also been raised by several Resident Doctors’ Associations, including RDA GMC Srinagar, RDA Rajouri and RDA Doda, which have highlighted concerns regarding the compensation and working conditions of medical trainees and doctors.
Dr Khan urged the J&K administration to intervene and take a timely decision on the matter, saying that interns should not have to repeatedly raise the same demand for a fair and adequate stipend.
