J&K MBBS and BDS interns urge CM to enhance stipends in upcoming Budget session
Srinagar Jan 11 (KINS): Jammu and Kashmir’s MBBS and BDS interns, struggling with a meager monthly stipend of Rs 12,500, have called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address their long-pending demand for a stipend increase in the upcoming budget. Despite recommendations from a government-appointed committee in 2023 to enhance stipends to Rs 26,350, the matter remains stalled in the Finance Department.
The three-member committee, formed under order number 538 JK-HME dated 27-06-2023, submitted its report in August 2023, advocating a stipend increase in line with NMC norms—half the basic pay of a Medical Officer in J&K. However, the proposed hike has seen no progress for over a year.
On October 28, a delegation of interns met CM Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. The Chief Minister assured the students their demands would be prioritized, emphasizing that the government would ensure parity with interns in other states.
However, a recent statement from the Health Minister has dampened the interns’ hopes. “The government’s financial constraints are preventing the immediate resolution of the interns’ demands. However, the issue is under consideration as their demands are genuine,” the minister stated.
The last stipend hike for J&K interns occurred in January 2019 during Governor’s Rule. Since then, interns across the country have seen their stipends increased two to three times, leaving J&K interns with one of the lowest stipends nationwide.
Interns at Government Medical Colleges (GMC) in Anantnag and Baramulla expressed frustration over the delay. “We work tirelessly, performing duties equivalent to resident doctors, yet we are paid less than daily laborers,” said an intern from GMC Anantnag.
Another from GMC Baramulla remarked, “We had hoped the committee’s recommendations would be implemented swiftly, but the delay has been disheartening.”
The interns are optimistic about the upcoming budget session following CM Abdullah’s assurances. “We are hopeful our demands will be met soon,” said a student who was part of the delegation that met the CM.
