Medical interns in Kashmir are entering their third day of protest demanding a stipend hike from ₹12,000 to ₹30,000. Former CM Mehbooba Mufti has joined the movement, calling for government intervention.

  • Medical interns demand a stipend increase from ₹12,000 to ₹30,000.
  • PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti joined an overnight vigil at GMC Srinagar.
  • The current stipend has remained unchanged for the last seven years.
  • Health Minister Sakina Itoo stated the matter is under financial review.

The ongoing protest by medical interns across the Kashmir Valley has entered its third consecutive day, as young doctors continue to strike for a significant increase in their monthly stipends. In a high-profile show of solidarity, former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti joined the interns during an overnight vigil at the Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar on Wednesday.

Mufti expressed her profound distress over the situation, noting that it is 'deeply painful' to see healthcare professionals—who work grueling 36-hour shifts to save lives—struggling for basic financial dignity. She emphasized that these young doctors are the backbone of the healthcare system and urged the government to treat them with the respect their dedication deserves.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this dispute highlights a growing systemic gap in the medical training infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir. The disparity between local stipends and national averages not only demoralizes essential workers but also poses a long-term risk to the region's healthcare stability and talent retention.

At the heart of the agitation is a demand for a massive stipend revision. Currently, interns receive just over ₹12,000 per month, a figure that has not been revised in seven years. Protesting doctors argue that this amount is insufficient to even cover basic commuting costs, whereas in other parts of India, the stipend exceeds ₹30,000.

"A government that expects them to serve with sacrifice must also respect their dignity." — Mehbooba Mufti

The political landscape is also reacting to the strike. The Congress party, an ally of the National Conference, has formally appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to resolve the crisis. J&K Pradesh Congress Committee chief Tariq Hameed Karra noted in a letter that the current stipend levels are 'considerably lower' than national standards, making the struggle unfair to local students.

Responding to the unrest, J&K Health Minister Sakina Itoo acknowledged the need for a hike but pointed toward bureaucratic hurdles. She stated that while the government is cognizant of rising costs, the decision involves significant financial implications and is currently being reviewed by the Finance Department. However, the striking doctors have rejected these explanations, stating they have been hearing similar promises for over a year without tangible results.

Did You Know?: Medical interns in Kashmir are performing shifts that can last up to 36 hours, often under intense pressure and minimal financial support.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the specific demand of the medical interns?
They are demanding that their monthly stipend be increased from approximately ₹12,000 to ₹30,000.

2. How has the government responded to the strike?
The Health Minister stated the matter is under review by the Finance Department due to financial implications, though doctors remain unsatisfied with the delay.