MBBS and BDS Interns in Jammu Kashmir are still grappling with a modest monthly stipend of Rs 12,300, despite the recommendations made by a committee formed in June 2023.
The committee had proposed an increase in the stipend to Rs 26,350, which would align it with half the basic pay of a Medical Officer in the region, in accordance with NMC guidelines.
However, over a year later, no action has been taken, and the matter remains stalled in the Finance Department.
The committee, which included the Director of Finance in the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department, the Principals of Government Medical Colleges in Jammu Srinagar, and the Directors of New Government Medical Colleges, submitted its report in August 2023.
Yet, despite its recommendations, the Finance Department has not moved forward with the proposal.
A delegation of interns met with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on October 28th at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar, where he assured them that the issue would be addressed as a priority and that efforts would be made to eliminate disparities between J&K interns and those in the rest of the country.
However, recent comments by the Hon’ble Health Minister have left the interns disheartened.
The minister cited the government’s financial constraints as a barrier to resolving the issue immediately, although he acknowledged that the interns’ demands were genuine and under consideration.
The last stipend enhancement for interns in J&K was in January 2019, during Governor’s Rule, and since then, the stipend has remained the lowest in the country. Meanwhile, interns in other parts of India have seen their stipends increased two to three times over the past five years
Interns had hoped the committee’s recommendations would bring their stipends in line with those of their counterparts nationwide.
However, the prolonged delay has left many feeling disillusioned.
A student from Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag remarked, “We work diligently, often putting in extra hours and performing the same duties as resident doctors, yet our compensation is lower than that of daily laborers.”
Students at GMC Baramulla also voiced their frustration. “We were hopeful that the committee’s recommendations would be implemented quickly, but the delay has left us in despair,” said one student.
They expressed hope that the new government would prioritize this issue and push for the stipend enhancement in the upcoming budget session.
Interns remain hopeful following the assurances from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
“He assured us that our demands would be met soon, hopefully in the upcoming budget,” said one intern who attended the meeting.