Srinagar, Sep 04: A delegation of protesting MBBS and BDS interns on Friday met Health Minister Sakeena Itoo and the Chief Minister’s Advisor, urging the government to take immediate steps to resolve their long-pending demand for enhancement of their monthly stipend.
During the meeting, the minister told the interns that the matter was under consideration and sought one month’s time to complete the process and issue a formal order. The interns, however, did not agree to the proposed timeframe, and made it clear that their strike would continue until a concrete decision was taken.
Dr Tasaduq, an intern from GMC Srinagar who was part of the delegation, told the news agency KNO that the minister informed them that the file had been sent to the Finance department and that the government was working out a roadmap to resolve the issue.
“The minister sought one month’s time from us, but we disagreed. We told her clearly that we have already waited and cannot call off the strike merely on assurances. Until our demand is fulfilled and an official order is issued enhancing our monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000, we will continue our strike,” he said.
The interns maintained that they were seeking a formal and written commitment from the government rather than another assurance, saying they would reconsider their agitation only after an official order regarding the stipend enhancement was issued.
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, Incharge AIMSA J&K, said the interns had already been waiting for a considerable period and wanted clarity on the timeline and mechanism for resolving the issue.
“The interns need a concrete commitment. If the government is serious about resolving the matter, there should be a clear roadmap and a formal order. They cannot be expected to withdraw their protest on assurances alone,” he said.
The MBBS and BDS interns have been on strike across government medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir, demanding revision of their monthly stipend from the existing Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000.
The protesting interns said they would continue their agitation until the government formally approves and issues the order for the enhanced stipend. (KNO)
