SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene in the ongoing protest by MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir and resolve their demand for an increase in monthly stipend.
In a post on X, Mehbooba said it was “deeply painful” to see young doctors, who work exhausting 36-hour shifts and care for patients through the night, being forced to take to the streets to seek what she described as their rightful dues.
It is deeply painful to see young doctors who work exhausting 36-hour shifts, including through the night, caring for patients and saving lives, being forced onto the streets to demand what is rightfully theirs.
These young doctors are the backbone of our healthcare system. They… pic.twitter.com/PuJWgwAH6Q
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) September 2, 2026
“These young doctors are the backbone of our healthcare system. They dedicate their lives to serving people, and deserve our respect, dignity and support not indifference,” she said.
Mehbooba appealed to Omar to meet the protesting students at the earliest and resolve the issue of their demand for a Rs 30,000 monthly stipend within the next 7–10 days.
The MBBS and BDS interns across government medical colleges in J&K began an indefinite strike on August 31, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from the existing Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000. The interns have said the stipend has remained unchanged for nearly seven years despite repeated representations, while their workload and cost of living have increased.
The protesting interns have also highlighted their long working hours, including shifts extending up to 36 hours, and argued that their stipend is inadequate in view of the responsibilities they shoulder in government hospitals.
The demand has received support from political parties and leaders. PDP leader Iltija Mufti joined the protesting interns at GMC Srinagar and called for the stipend to be enhanced to Rs 30,000, while CPI(M) leader and Kulgam MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami also extended support to the agitation.
The government has indicated that a proposal concerning revision of the stipend is under process. Earlier, the issue had also figured in the 2026 Assembly session, with a proposed revised stipend discussed, but the interns have maintained that the matter remains pending.
