SRINAGAR, OCT 20: In a significant decision aimed at addressing the long-pending demands of medical and dental interns, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has approved an increase in the monthly stipend for MBBS and BDS interns from ₹12,300 to ₹25,000, marking a hike of ₹12,700 per month, according to government sources.
The Health and Medical Education Department has been directed to issue the necessary formal orders to implement the revised stipend, sources said. The notification was expected on Tuesday but was reportedly delayed due to a holiday, with the department likely to issue the order on Wednesday, October 21.
The approved revision represents an increase of approximately 103.25 per cent over the existing monthly stipend, more than doubling the remuneration received by medical and dental interns across the Union Territory. The move comes after sustained demands by interns for a revision of their stipend, which they had maintained was inadequate in view of rising living expenses and the demands of clinical training.
Under the revised structure, eligible interns would receive ₹25,000 per month, translating into ₹3 lakh over a 12-month period. Under the existing rate of ₹12,300, the annual stipend amounts to ₹1,47,600. The proposed revision would therefore provide an additional ₹1,52,400 annually to an intern receiving the stipend for a full 12 months.
The decision comes against the backdrop of protests by MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir, who had been demanding an increase in their monthly stipend to ₹30,000. The interns launched an indefinite strike on August 31, pressing for a revision of their remuneration and raising concerns about their working conditions.
The interns had pointed out that their monthly stipend had remained unchanged for nearly seven years despite rising living costs and the financial pressures associated with medical education and clinical responsibilities. Their agitation brought renewed attention to the issue of intern remuneration and the need to periodically review stipends in line with prevailing economic conditions.
Although the approved amount of ₹25,000 falls short of the interns’ demand for ₹30,000 per month, the proposed revision would substantially increase their monthly earnings and provide additional financial support during the compulsory internship period.
The formal notification from the Health and Medical Education Department will be crucial for confirming the implementation date and other applicable terms of the revised stipend. Until the official order is issued, the announcement remains subject to the formalisation of the government’s decision.
The development is expected to be closely watched by medical and dental interns across government medical colleges and associated institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in view of the recent agitation over stipend revision and working conditions.
The decision marks a substantial proposed revision in intern remuneration, with formal implementation details expected through the Health and Medical Education Department’s official order.
