MBBS and BDS interns across government medical colleges and hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir commenced an indefinite strike on Monday, escalating their long-standing demand for a substantial increase in their monthly stipend. The protesting interns are seeking to raise their stipend from the current Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000 per month, arguing that the existing amount has remained stagnant for nearly seven years and is insufficient given their workload and the cost of living.
The interns, who have staged protests at prominent institutions including Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, SKIMS Medical College Bemina, and various hospitals in Jammu, stated that they were compelled to suspend their duties after repeated representations and demonstrations failed to elicit a concrete response from the authorities. They highlighted that their current stipend, which amounts to approximately Rs 400 per day, is significantly lower than that provided to medical interns in many other Indian states and does not reflect the demanding nature of their responsibilities.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that these interns are integral to the daily functioning of healthcare facilities, performing duties in emergency departments, outpatient departments (OPDs), wards, and other clinical areas. Their responsibilities extend to undertaking night shifts, 24-hour duties, and rural postings, often being the first point of contact for patients arriving at emergency units. They also provide crucial assistance to senior doctors in routine hospital services and complex procedures.
The protesting doctors pointed out that the stipend paid in Jammu and Kashmir is among the lowest in the country. They cited comparative figures indicating that interns in states such as Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh receive monthly stipends ranging from approximately Rs 25,000 to over Rs 44,000. Despite performing duties comparable to their counterparts nationwide, J&K interns continue to receive a significantly lower remuneration.
Furthermore, the interns emphasized that their stipend has not kept pace with inflation and the escalating demands placed upon young doctors working in government hospitals. Their core demand is for a fair and reasonable enhancement of their stipend, aligning it with the prevailing rates in other states. This issue has been under consideration for several years, with the Health and Medical Education Department having constituted a committee in 2023 to examine the matter. According to the interns, this committee had recommended a substantial increase, proposing stipends between Rs 25,000 and Rs 26,300 for the 2025-26 period. However, they allege that despite discussions and assurances, no formal order has been issued to implement these recommendations.
The interns have reportedly approached various government departments and elected representatives seeking clarity on the status of the stipend enhancement proposal but have not received a definite timeline for its implementation. They have asserted that the strike will persist until a written order formally notifying the revised stipend is officially issued. The disruption of services is expected to impact patient care across the affected medical institutions.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Health and Medical Education Minister, Sakina Itoo, acknowledged the legitimacy of the interns’ demand, stating that the government is actively working on the issue. She urged the interns to reconsider their strike, emphasizing the potential negative impact on patient care. The minister further informed that the proposal for stipend enhancement has been processed and forwarded to the Finance Department for an assessment of its financial implications. She assured that the matter is under active consideration and that the government is diligently examining the issue, suggesting that a strike was unnecessary given the ongoing governmental efforts.
The interns’ cause has garnered support from political leaders across various parties. Tariq Hameed Karra, president of the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee, wrote to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, urging immediate and sympathetic consideration of the interns’ demand. Karra highlighted the crucial role of medical interns in the healthcare delivery system and the significant responsibilities they shoulder. He also underscored the considerable disparity in stipends compared to other parts of the country and called for government engagement to reach an early resolution. Waheed Para, a PDP MLA from Pulwama, also backed the interns’ demand, urging the government to address the issue promptly.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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