Srinagar: The agitation by MBBS and BDS interns over the revision of their monthly stipend entered its second consecutive day on Tuesday, with protests continuing at Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) and other medical institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
The interns are demanding that their monthly stipend be increased from the existing Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000, arguing that the present amount has remained unchanged for nearly seven years despite rising living costs, increasing clinical responsibilities and repeated representations to the authorities.
The coordinated protests were witnessed in several institutions, including GMC Srinagar, GMC Baramulla, GMC Handwara, GMC Anantnag, GMC Jammu, GMC Udhampur, GMC Rajouri, GMC Doda and SKIMS Bemina. The interns have been holding demonstrations and maintaining their decision to stay away from routine duties until their demand is addressed.
The protesting interns said their demand was not merely about an increase in remuneration but about recognising the nature of work they perform during their compulsory internship.
“We are working in emergency departments, wards and other clinical areas, often during night and extended shifts. Despite these responsibilities, we are receiving only Rs 12,300 a month. The amount is simply not proportionate to the work we are doing,” said a protesting intern.
Another said interns are an important part of the day-to-day functioning of government hospitals and frequently assist senior doctors in emergency care, OPDs, wards and other patient-care services.
“We are not asking for anything unreasonable. We are demanding Rs 30,000, which is still modest considering the workload, inflation and the stipends being paid in several other states,” the intern said.
