Maharashtra to hike MBBS interns' stipend from Rs 18,000 to Rs 25,000; cabinet nod awaited

Maharashtra Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif has assured MBBS interns that their monthly stipend will be increased from Rs 18,000 to Rs 25,000. The assurance was given during a meeting held today, following the interns' demand for a revision in their stipend.

An official from the Maharashtra Medical Education and Research Department told Careers360 that the proposal will be placed before the state Cabinet at its next meeting. A decision on the stipend hike is expected to be taken there, following which the government will issue a government resolution (GR).

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However, the government has not yet issued a GR or formally approved the proposed increase. The minister has given an assurance, and the final decision is pending Cabinet approval.

Maharashtra MBBS interns' stipend hike

The Association of State Medical Interns Maharashtra (ASMI) had demanded an increase in the monthly stipend for MBBS interns from Rs 18,000 to Rs 30,000, along with a 3% annual hike and a review of allowances.

In a press release dated October 21, the association warned that MBBS interns across Maharashtra could launch a statewide strike from November 2 if the government failed to address their demands. It had also sought a written assurance from the state government on revising the stipend.

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ASMI said the existing stipend was inadequate in view of rising expenses, including food, accommodation and travel costs, as well as the clinical responsibilities handled by intern doctors.

The association had also cited stipend figures from other states, including Rs 25,000 in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh, and Rs 20,000 in Jammu and Kashmir, to highlight the difference in payments.

The latest assurance from the medical education minister comes amid the interns' demand for a stipend revision. The proposed increase to Rs 25,000, however, is yet to receive formal Cabinet approval.