Medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir have recommenced their strike, citing the government’s failure to honor assurances regarding an increase in their monthly stipends. The interns had initially suspended their protest in September following a commitment from the administration to address their demands within a month.
However, with the stipulated deadline having passed without any tangible resolution, the interns have now reignited their agitation. The decision to resume the strike was made collectively by interns from all medical colleges in the region. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the interns had been assured by the Health Minister, Sakina Masood Itoo, and other officials that their stipend issue would be finalized within a 30-day period. This assurance was reportedly minuted during a meeting attended by key figures from the Health Department and the Srinagar Government Medical College.
Dr. Faraz Ahmad, a medical intern, expressed the frustration of the striking students, stating, “The 30-day period—it was actually they who asked us for a 30-day timeframe. Even back then, we demanded an order, and today as well, we are demanding an order. Back then, we negotiated based on trust; we thought we should trust them.” He further elaborated that the meeting minutes, which included the Principal of Srinagar Government Medical College, Dr. Iffat, and the Deputy Director of Planning, clearly recorded the commitment to finalize the matter within 30 days. Today marks the 42nd day since that assurance was given, and the situation remains unresolved.
Adding to the interns’ grievances, they reported experiencing what they described as humiliating remarks during a meeting on Monday with an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Health Department and the Director General of Finance. The delegation had approached these officials to inquire about the status of their stipend hike file. Mohammad Tasadduk Kawser, joint secretary of the All India Medical Students Association’s J-K chapter, shared details of the encounter on X, formerly Twitter. Kawser alleged that the OSD suggested the government was doing the interns a favor by providing free medical education. This statement was met with strong criticism, with Kawser asserting that public expenditure on medical education is funded by taxpayers and not a personal concession from government officials.
Kawser emphasized that medical interns earn their degrees through merit, sacrifice, and hard work, and questioned the notion of it being a favor. He reiterated the demand for a formal order and its immediate implementation, stating, “We will not trade our dignity for another hollow assurance. No more deadlines. No more empty words. We demand the order and its immediate implementation.” The interns had received a written assurance of a resolution within 30 days, but an additional week has passed without the issuance of an implementation order, leading to the resumption of their strike.
The interns’ renewed agitation includes a strike call issued to every medical college and a candle march scheduled for Tuesday evening. They have vowed to continue their protest until they receive adequate compensation and recognition for their labor. The incident follows a candlelight protest held by the interns on Monday night after the alleged humiliating encounter during their meeting with health officials. The interns view the alleged remarks as an insult to the medical profession and are demanding accountability from the authorities for the perceived disrespect and lack of progress on their demands.
The core of the protest revolves around the long-pending demand for an increase in the monthly stipend for MBBS and BDS interns. The interns argue that their current compensation is insufficient and does not reflect the demanding nature of their work and the sacrifices they make during their training. The government’s initial promise to resolve the issue within a month had led to the temporary suspension of their strike, a move that was based on trust in the administration’s commitment. However, the prolonged delay and the alleged disrespectful treatment have eroded that trust, prompting the interns to take to the streets once again to press their demands.
The situation highlights a recurring pattern of unmet assurances and the challenges faced by medical professionals in the region. The interns are seeking a concrete and immediate resolution, emphasizing that they will not be appeased by further promises or delays. The strike is expected to impact healthcare services in the region, as the interns play a crucial role in the day-to-day functioning of government hospitals. The administration faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of the interns and fulfill its commitment to ensure fair compensation and respect for their contributions to the healthcare system.
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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