SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Monday said the government was processing a proposal to increase the monthly stipend of MBBS interns from Rs 12,000 to Rs 30,000, with the matter currently under examination by the Finance Department.
Itoo said the demand for a higher stipend was genuine, particularly in view of rising inflation, and that the government was already working to address the issue.
“We have met them. After meeting them, we have processed their file. The file has been sent to the Finance Department for the financial implications. It is under process,” the minister said.
She said the proposed revision had been forwarded to the Finance Department for assessment of its financial implications.
“It is their genuine demand. We do not say that it is wrong. Because these days there is a lot of inflation. There is a need to increase it. We ourselves agree,” Itoo said.
The minister said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was also aware of the issue and that the Health Department had already initiated work on the proposal.
“The Chief Minister has also said this. The government is already working on this. The Health Department is already working on this,” she said.
Her remarks came after MBBS and BDS interns held peaceful demonstrations at Government Medical Colleges and other medical institutions across Jammu and Kashmir, including SKIMS Bemina, demanding a revision of their internship stipend.
The interns have sought an increase in their monthly allowance, citing heavy workloads, long working hours and responsibilities during their compulsory internship period.
While acknowledging their concerns, Itoo said there was no need for the interns to resort to a strike as the matter was already under consideration.
“They did not need to go on strike. It is under process without it. I do not think it is right to go on strike. It affects their patient care,” she said.
The proposed stipend revision is now awaiting examination of its financial implications as interns continue to seek an early decision from the government.
