Srinagar|Oct, 20: Medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir will continue their indefinite strike until the government issues a formal order enhancing their monthly stipend, despite indications that the long-pending decision could be notified on Wednesday.
The All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) said an announcement regarding the proposed hike was not sufficient to end the agitation, insisting that the government must issue a written order confirming its implementation.
AIMSA president Mohammad Momin Khan said the association had received information about the proposed enhancement but maintained that interns would not withdraw the strike until the official document was issued.
“No written order, no end to the strike,” he reiterated, citing repeated assurances that had failed to translate into a formal government decision.
Official sources said the order enhancing the monthly stipend of MBBS and BDS interns to Rs 25,000 was expected to be issued on Wednesday. The proposed notification is likely to determine whether the ongoing protest is called off.
The strike follows the expiry of a 30-day deadline that the protesting interns say the government had given in writing to resolve their demand for a stipend revision. They have referred to government record notes dated September 4 and 9, maintaining that the authorities had committed to finalising the matter within the stipulated period.
With the deadline having passed without a formal order, the interns intensified their agitation and launched an indefinite strike.
The protesters said the latest indications of an early decision had raised hopes of a resolution but argued that they could not treat verbal assurances or public announcements as confirmation that the enhancement had been implemented.
They maintained that the issue was no longer about further discussions but about fulfilling the commitment already made by the government.
The delay has deepened resentment among interns, who have repeatedly approached the authorities seeking a revision of their monthly stipend. They said uncertainty over the status of the proposal had persisted despite assurances that the matter would be resolved within a specified timeframe.
The association said it appreciated the reported confirmation of the proposed hike but would wait for the formal order before taking a decision on withdrawing the agitation.
The interns have urged the government to complete the necessary administrative formalities and issue the notification without further delay. They said the written order should clearly specify the enhancement and its implementation to remove uncertainty over the decision.
The proposed hike to Rs 25,000 a month is expected to bring the prolonged dispute closer to resolution, provided the government issues the order as anticipated.
Meanwhile, the interns have maintained their position that the strike will continue until the notification is issued. The government’s next step is expected to be crucial in determining whether the protest ends or continues beyond Wednesday.
