Onlykashmir.in News Desk
The Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) has welcomed the decision of the Jammu and Kashmir Government to increase the monthly stipend of MBBS and BDS interns from 12,300 rupees to 25,000 rupees, while urging the administration to address the pending demands of veterinary interns, agriculture graduates and forestry students.
AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the decision was welcome and should be followed by concrete action on the concerns of other professional groups, whose demands relate to financial support, recruitment opportunities and recognition of specialised qualifications.
Veterinary interns at SKUAST-Kashmir and SKUAST-Jammu are seeking an increase in their monthly stipend to 23,000 rupees. They currently receive 6,000 rupees for the first six months and 9,000 rupees for the remaining six months, which includes an ICAR contribution of 3,000 rupees during the latter period. Their association has said the proposal for revision has been pending with the Finance Department since 2023.
Agriculture graduates have sought implementation of the 50:50 recruitment ratio under SRO-179 for Agriculture Extension Officer posts, referral of vacant posts to the JKPSC and revocation of SRO-442, which they say provides for 100 per cent departmental promotion in certain non-gazetted technical posts. They have also demanded restoration of direct recruitment opportunities and a predictable recruitment calendar.
Forestry students at SKUAST-Kashmir have opposed proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for Forester posts, seeking retention of B.Sc. (Hons.) Forestry as the mandatory qualification for direct recruitment. Their other demands include recognition of forestry qualifications for the posts of Range Officer and Assistant Director (Forest Protection), inclusion of Forestry in the Assistant Conservator of Forests examination and its introduction as an optional subject in the JKAS examination.
“The stipend revision for medical interns is a welcome step. At the same time, veterinary interns are awaiting a decision on their stipend, agriculture graduates are seeking fair access to recruitment, and forestry students are concerned about the recognition of their professional qualifications. These issues need to be examined on their individual merits,” Inam said.
He said agriculture, veterinary science and forestry are vital to the rural economy, animal health, food security and environmental protection of Jammu and Kashmir, and called for decisions that address the concerns of students and qualified graduates across these disciplines.
The government approved the higher stipend for medical interns on Wednesday through a formal order issued by the Health and Medical Education Department, ending a long-pending demand that had led to protests at medical colleges. The AIP’s statement now places the spotlight on professional groups whose requests have remained unresolved, some for several years, and it asks the administration to treat them with the same attention.
