• SKIMS Bemina interns to begin hunger strike from today
• Protests continue at GMCs across Jammu &Kashmir
• AIMSA seeks early resolution, urges administration to issue written order
Srinagar| Sept, 06: MBBS interns continued their protest across Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, pressing the administration to revise their internship stipend and issue a formal order on the matter.
The interns have been demanding a monthly stipend of ₹30,000, arguing that the existing remuneration does not adequately reflect their workload and responsibilities during the compulsory internship period.
Protests and demonstrations continued at various medical institutions across the Union Territory, with interns urging the authorities to address their demands through a formal written order instead of assurances.
Dr Mohammad Akib Javid, Joint Secretary, AIMSA J&K Wing, said the interns had decided to intensify their agitation in view of the continued failure of dialogue to result in a formal order, prospective in nature, addressing their demands.
“Repeated discussions and assurances have failed to culminate in a formal written order regarding revision of our internship stipend. We remain committed to our demand for justice, dignity and fair compensation for the work and responsibilities undertaken by interns,” Javid said.
He said the interns’ stand was clear that there would be “no written order, no end to the protest”, adding that the hunger strike would continue until a formal order addressing their demands was issued and the process expedited.
Dr Javid said the interns were seeking a monthly stipend of ₹30,000, describing it as a “just demand”. He appealed to the administration and concerned authorities to take immediate cognisance of the matter and resolve the issue through a written official order.
Meanwhile, protests by MBBS interns continued at Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) across Jammu and Kashmir, with interns pressing for revision of their stipend and a formal government order.
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, In-charge AIMSA J&K, said the interns had been pursuing their demand through peaceful and democratic means and urged the administration to resolve the issue at the earliest.
“The interns are asking for a fair and dignified stipend for the responsibilities they undertake during their internship. Repeated assurances without a written order have prolonged the issue. The administration should intervene and provide a formal resolution without further delay,” Dr Khan said.
Meanwhile interns have maintained that they seek dialogue and a formal resolution rather than further assurances, and have appealed to the authorities to expedite the process.
Their stated demand is for a ₹30,000 stipend, with the protesting interns insisting that the revised amount be notified through a formal written order.
On Saturday, Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday appealed to the protesting interns to resume their duties, saying that their demand for stipend increase is under consideration and the government will not ignore their concerns.
Itoo, while talking to reporters on the sidelines of the Teachers’ Day function in Srinagar, said that the matter has progressed through the government and is currently with the finance department for consideration. “The clarifications sought during the process have already been provided”.
