Jammu & Kashmir Govt Clears Stipend Hike for Medical, Dental Interns

Srinagar: In a major development for medical and dental graduates undergoing compulsory internship in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has approved the enhancement of their monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000, with the Health and Medical Education Department directed to issue the necessary orders immediately.

Top government sources said that the Chief Minister has cleared the file concerning the long-awaited revision, paving the way for a substantial increase in the monthly remuneration paid to MBBS and BDS interns.

”The Chief Minister has approved the file for enhancement of the monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000. The Health and Medical Education Department has been directed to issue the necessary orders immediately,” top government sources said.

‎Sources said the formal order was expected to be issued on Tuesday itself, but the holiday prevented its issuance. The department is now to issue the necessary notification on Wednesday, October 21.

‎The decision will increase the monthly stipend by Rs 12,700, representing a rise of approximately 103.25 per cent over the existing amount.

‎On an annual basis, an intern receiving the revised stipend for 12 months would get Rs 3 lakh against the earlier Rs 1,47,600, an increase of Rs 1,52,400.

‎The decision comes against the backdrop of sustained protests by MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir, who have been demanding an increase in their monthly stipend to Rs 30,000.

‎The interns had launched an indefinite strike on August 31, arguing that their stipend had remained unchanged for nearly seven years despite rising living costs and demanding hospital duties.(KNS)