Raise MBBS, BDS monthly stipend to Rs 30,000: JK students’ group writes to CM Omar Abdullah

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has urged Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister to intervene in the “long-pending” demand of MBBS and BDS interns for an increase in their monthly internship stipend. The medical interns currently receive Rs 12,300 per month and are demanding that the stipend should be raised to Rs 30,000 per month.

The students’ association wrote a letter to the Jammu and Kashmir CM, emphasising that MBBS interns at government medical colleges and other institutions, have been staging protests demanding an increase in their monthly stipend.

Moreover, the students’ group have also announced suspension of medical services from August 31 and warned of an indefinite strike if the demands are not met.

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‘MBBS, BDS interns work up to 36 hours’

Pointing out the “hectic” working hours of the medical interns, Nasir Khuehami, national convenor of the association, said: “The demand of the MBBS and BDS interns is genuine, reasonable and fully justified. Their working hours are often extremely demanding, with shifts in several instances extending to 24–36 hours. Despite the workload, long hours and clinical responsibilities, young doctors continue to serve patients and public healthcare institutions with dedication, often working beyond regular hours in the interest of patient care.”

Saying that the current stipend of Rs 12,300 per month is “grossly inadequate” as compared to the rising cost of living, the students’ group said that demanding for “fair remuneration” is not a favour, but a matter of dignity, fairness, and recognition for young medical professionals.

Furthermore, according to the JKSA, the increase in monthly stipend issue was pending for years despite government’s consideration.

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Govt forms committee in 2023 to raise MBBS, BDS stipend: JKSA

“A Government-constituted committee was formed in June 2023 to examine the issue of stipend enhancement for medical interns and make appropriate recommendations. The committee subsequently reportedly recommended increasing the stipend to Rs 26,350 per month, with the recommendation being reported in January 2025,” it added.

Even after the recommendation and repeated reminders by the interns over the years, the revised stipend has reportedly still not been attached, the letter read.

Wasim Khan, president, JKMSA (Medical Wing of the Jammu & Kashmir Students Association), said: “The interns are justified in questioning why a matter that has already gone through a committee process continues to remain unresolved. Seven years of neglect must end today and reflect the frustration that has accumulated through years of representations and delayed action.”

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JK students’ group warns of ‘indefinite strike’

The students’ association further demanded for implementation of the pending finance committee recommendations and for a stipend at par with prevailing rates in other parts of the country.

“Since interns elsewhere perform comparable clinical duties and work similar, and in some circumstances greater, hours, their demand for Rs 30,000 per month deserves serious and sympathetic consideration in view of current circumstances, inflation, the rising cost of living and prevailing national stipend levels,” the letter cited.

Khan also emphasized the possibility of an indefinite strike. While interns have every right to peacefully raise their grievances, he said prolonged suspension of services could place additional pressure on already overburdened hospitals and ultimately affect patients and healthcare delivery.

The association has also demanded for an immediate and meaningful dialogue between the government and representatives of the protesting interns.