In a major boost to medical students, the Uttar Pradesh government has doubled the monthly stipend for MBBS and BDS interns to ₹25,000 following widespread protests.
- Monthly stipend for MBBS and BDS interns increased from ₹12,000 to ₹25,000.
- Decision approved by the UP Cabinet chaired by CM Yogi Adityanath.
- The hike follows intense protests by interns at major medical colleges.
- Cabinet also approved the distribution of 25 lakh free tablets under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme.
The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a landmark decision to significantly enhance the financial support for future medical professionals in the state. During a high-level Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on August 25, it was officially decided to double the monthly stipend for MBBS and BDS interns in state-run medical institutions. The monthly allowance will jump from the current ₹12,000 to a much more substantial ₹25,000.
Response to Student Protests
The policy shift comes on the heels of significant unrest within the medical student community. On August 22, interns from prestigious institutions including King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow, Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur, and Lala Lajpat Rai Medical College in Meerut staged protests. The demonstrators demanded a revision of the stipend, citing the high cost of living and the demanding nature of their clinical duties. The government's swift action is seen as a direct response to these grievances.
The Role of Medical Interns
Medical interns play a critical role in the state's healthcare infrastructure. During their compulsory rotatory internship, these graduates work alongside senior doctors, managing outpatient departments (OPD), assisting in emergency services, and providing ward-level patient care. They are often required to perform strenuous night shifts. BozokMedia analysis shows that providing a competitive stipend is essential to maintain morale and ensure high-quality patient care in government hospitals.
Increasing stipends is a strategic move to retain talent and reduce the financial burden on medical trainees during their most rigorous training phase.
Digital Empowerment via Free Tablets
Beyond medical stipends, the Cabinet has cleared a massive digital initiative. Under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme, the state will purchase 25 lakh tablets to be distributed free of charge to eligible students. This includes those in undergraduate, postgraduate, and technical/health education programs. The government has allocated ₹2,374.60 crore for this scheme in the 2026-27 budget to bridge the digital divide.
Historical Context of Stipend Hikes
This is not the first time the Yogi Adityanath administration has addressed stipend concerns. In 2021, the monthly stipend was increased from ₹7,500 to ₹12,000. By raising it to ₹25,000 now, Uttar Pradesh is attempting to align its compensation structure with central institutions and other progressive states, ensuring that medical education in UP remains attractive to top talent.
Stipend Comparison Table
| Category | Previous Stipend | New Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS/BDS Interns | ₹12,000 | ₹25,000 |
| Percentage Increase | - | ~108% |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible for the revised ₹25,000 stipend?
The hike applies to all MBBS and BDS students undergoing their compulsory rotatory internship in government medical colleges and universities across Uttar Pradesh.
2. Does the tablet scheme cover ITI students?
Yes, the scheme includes students pursuing technical and health education, including those in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
