SRINAGAR: MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir have resumed their strike over the delay in increasing their monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000, with the All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) announcing candle marches at all Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) and SKIMS Bemina on Tuesday evening.
The interns said their stipend had remained unchanged since 2019 despite rising living expenses and the demanding nature of their clinical duties. They have urged the government to implement the proposed increase without further delay.
The resumption of the strike follows repeated meetings with government officials over the issue. According to AIMSA, the government gave a written assurance on September 8 and asked the interns to wait for 30 days. During a subsequent meeting on October 12, OSD Peerzada Zahoor Ahmad reportedly sought another week to resolve the matter.
An AIMSA delegation visited the Secretariat again on October 19 and met the Director General of Finance, but no order implementing the stipend hike was issued, the association said.
Dr Tasaduk, Joint Secretary of AIMSA, alleged that the delegation was subjected to humiliating remarks during its interaction with the OSD, who reportedly said the government was doing the interns a favour by providing free medical education.
Objecting to the alleged remarks, the association said public expenditure was funded by taxpayers and that the interns’ demands deserved respectful consideration.
AIMSA president Dr Mohammad Momin Khan said repeated assurances and meetings had failed to produce a decision on the stipend increase.
“We respect every officer and every institution, but we will not tolerate rude or humiliating behaviour towards medical interns,” Khan said, urging the authorities to issue the implementation order if the file was ready.
The interns have also raised concerns over pay disparities with counterparts in other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal, claiming that their current stipend is among the lowest in the country.
They have cited working hours ranging from 12 to 48 hours, including night duties and heavy outpatient department workloads, as reasons for seeking higher compensation. They have also pointed to limited leave and rising hostel and living costs.
AIMSA said the candle marches would be held across GMCs and SKIMS Bemina on Tuesday evening as part of the renewed agitation. The association has called on the Jammu and Kashmir Government to honour its written assurance and resolve the issue.
