• AIMSА says written assurance remains unfulfilled; warns of further protests
Srinagar|Oct, 19: Medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir have announced candle marches at all Government Medical Colleges and SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, on Monday night, demanding an early decision on the proposed enhancement of their stipends.
The protest has been called by the All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA), which accused the authorities of delaying the decision despite a written assurance and the expiry of the stipulated timeline.
The announcement came after a delegation of intern doctors met Director General, Finance (Budget), Mohd Sultan Malik, and the Officer on Special Duty to the Health and Medical Education Minister at the Civil Secretariat on Monday to discuss the pending demand.
The delegation comprised Dr Shahnawaz, Dr Mohammad Tasadduk Kawser, Dr Danish Ali, Dr Faisal Ashraf, Dr Aakib Javaid, Dr Runga Zamin Javaid, Dr Ahmad Faraz and Dr Milad.
According to the association, the meeting failed to provide clarity on the status of the proposed revision. The representatives expressed concern over what they described as conflicting information about the file’s progress and the continued absence of a formal government order.
The interns also alleged that some of those pursuing the demand had been subjected to discourteous behaviour and warned against continuing their efforts.
AIMSA State President Dr Mohammad Momin Khan said the interns had been left waiting despite assurances from the authorities, adding that the matter required a concrete decision rather than further procedural delays.
He said intern doctors were involved in patient care and their contribution to the healthcare system should be recognised through a fair stipend and dignified treatment.
The association said the proposed candle marches were part of its peaceful efforts to secure the promised revision. It warned that continued administrative inaction could lead to further protests.
The interns have called on the government to honour its written commitment and issue the stipend enhancement order without further delay.
The government’s response to the allegations and the timeline for issuing the order were not available in the statement issued by the association.
