Onlykashmir.in News Desk
MBBS interns across Jammu and Kashmir have reiterated their demand for an early and time-bound decision on the long-pending proposal to enhance the internship stipend, warning that continued delay is testing their patience despite repeated representations to the authorities. In a statement issued in Srinagar on Tuesday, the interns acknowledged the efforts made by various authorities and committees examining the matter, but expressed concern over the prolonged delay in finalising the proposal.
The interns said internship represents a period of full-time clinical responsibility and service within the medical education system, and argued that the existing stipend no longer adequately reflects the rising cost of living and the professional commitments expected of interns during this period. They have sought immediate and time-bound consideration of the pending proposal and implementation of the recommendation to raise the MBBS internship stipend to ₹30,000 per month, in accordance with applicable financial and administrative procedures.
Beyond the headline demand, the interns also called for transparent communication regarding the current status of the proposal and a clearly defined timeline for its final disposal, so that they are not left without visibility into where the matter stands within the administrative process. They further demanded independent consideration of the undergraduate MBBS and BDS intern stipend proposal, so that it is not unnecessarily delayed due to its linkage with separate postgraduate or residency remuneration matters that may follow a different timeline.
The interns additionally called for a periodic review mechanism for the internship stipend going forward, arguing that such a mechanism would help ensure the stipend remains responsive to inflation and changing economic realities rather than requiring a fresh, prolonged representation each time an increase becomes necessary. They stated that they remain committed to a peaceful, democratic and lawful approach, and expressed belief that the matter can be resolved through dialogue and established institutional mechanisms rather than confrontation.
The interns appealed to the Lieutenant Governor, the Health & Medical Education Department, the Finance Department and other concerned authorities to facilitate an early resolution in what they described as the larger interest of medical education and healthcare services in the Union Territory. While stating that their preference remains a negotiated and constructive solution, they cautioned that prolonged uncertainty without a definitive decision may compel them to collectively consider all lawful and democratic options available to them. The interns termed their latest representation a final appeal and urged the authorities to bring the matter to a logical conclusion at the earliest.
