Intern Doctors in Jammu and Kashmir Demand Stipend Increase in Meeting with Chief Minister

Srinagar, September 4 (Daily Kiran) : Intern doctors from across Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to meet with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday to discuss their long-standing demand for an increase in their internship stipend.

The delegation will be led by Dr. Tasaduk, a representative of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA). He will be accompanied by joint secretary Dr. Aakib, along with Dr. Shah Nawaz, Dr. Tanis Mansotra, and Dr. Faraz. The interns are insisting on an immediate revision of their stipend and have stated that they will continue their peaceful protests until a formal approval and written government order are issued.

Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan, the state head of AIMSA, mentioned that he received a call from government officials on Thursday night requesting the delegation of intern doctors for discussions. “We welcome this initiative and hope the government will make a solid decision regarding the long-pending stipend issue,” he said.

He emphasized that the interns will present their concerns and demands firmly, seeking a prompt and concrete resolution. Dr. Khan reiterated that there would be no compromise on their demands and that the protests would only be called off once the stipend increase receives formal approval and a written order is issued. The delegation aims to robustly voice the concerns of intern doctors throughout Jammu and Kashmir and demand immediate action from the government.

It is worth noting that medical interns pursuing MBBS and BDS courses in Jammu and Kashmir began an indefinite strike on Monday, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend. They are asking for their stipend to be raised from the current ₹12,300 to ₹30,000, arguing that this amount has not changed in nearly six years despite rising inflation and heavy workloads. The protesting interns claim that their stipend is the lowest compared to other states. The strike is taking place across the union territory, involving interns from SKIMS Bemina, GMC Jammu, GMC Anantnag, and GMC Baramulla.