Rs 12,300 stipend: JnK MBBS, BDS interns await long-pending hike

Srinagar: Despite demanding equal stipend like other states for years and performing the same workload, MBBS and BDS interns in Jammu and Kashmir are still receiving a lower stipend than their counterparts in other states, surviving on around Rs 12,300 per month.

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.

Highlighting the issue on social media, Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan of the FAIMA Doctors Association said that the government has been delaying the stipend enhancement of the interns and urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to immediately address the long-pending demand of the interns.

Tagging the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health Minister Sakina Itoo, Dr Momin in a post on 'X' wrote that J&K interns continue to receive one of the lowest stipends in the country despite performing the same duties and workload as interns in other states.

He said the Finance Department has informed that the file is currently with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while Health Minister Sakina Itoo has reportedly stated that the matter is lying with the Finance Department.

According to a stipend comparison chart shared by Dr Momin, interns in Assam reportedly receive around Rs 31,500, while stipends in Central Institutions and AIIMS are about Rs 30,070. Karnataka interns receive nearly Rs 30,000 and West Bengal around Rs 28,892 and at the bottom is the interns of Jammu and Kashmir with Rs 12,300 stipend.

Speaking on the issue, Dr Momin told IANS, "The stipend enhancement for MBBS and BDS intern doctors in our Jammu and Kashmir was about to happen, but the government there is continuously delaying and ignoring the file. You can see that states like Bihar have recently approved stipend enhancement for MBBS and BDS doctors..."

Also read- JnK Interns Continue to Struggle with Meagre Stipends Despite Committee Recommending hike a year ago