AIMSA welcomes decision, says focus now shifts to postgraduate residents
Srinagar| Oct, 21: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday doubled the monthly stipend of MBBS and BDS interns, including Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000, ending a prolonged standoff with protesting medical interns.
The enhancement follows repeated protests by interns demanding an increase in their monthly stipend to Rs 30,000. The government has made the revised amount effective from October 1, 2026.
“Sanction is hereby accorded to the enhancement of the monthly stipend payable to MBBS/BDS interns, including Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000 per month, with effect from 01.10.2026,” an order issued by the Health and Medical Education Department stated.
Medical interns had launched a strike in September, pressing the government to revise their stipend. On September 8, the government asked them to call off the strike and sought a month to address their demands.
However, the interns resumed their strike on Tuesday, alleging that the government had failed to fulfil its assurance despite the deadline having passed. The subsequent decision to enhance the stipend marks a significant development in the dispute.
The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) and J-K intern doctors welcomed the decision, expressing gratitude to the government, political leaders and bureaucratic officials who supported their demand.
AIMSA J-K president Dr Mohammad Momin Khan said the achievement belonged to all medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir, crediting their collective efforts and sustained campaign for the increase.
He thanked leaders from both ruling and opposition parties, including Aga Ruhullah, Waheed Para, Sajid Yousuf Shah, Nasir Sogami, Altaf Bukhari and Sunil Sharma, along with other public representatives and officials who supported the demand.
Khan also acknowledged the role of AIMSA representatives who, he said, consistently raised the issue and worked towards securing the revision.
While welcoming the increase, AIMSA said its focus would now shift to the stipend and welfare of postgraduate medical residents.
“If states like Uttar Pradesh and Delhi are paying PG doctors over Rs 1 lakh, J-K must address this disparity too. Interns got their due. Now it’s time for PG residents,” Khan said.
The association said it would continue advocating for the rights and welfare of medical students and doctors in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that fair remuneration was essential to recognising the responsibilities shouldered by young medical professionals.
The stipend revision comes amid a wider debate over the compensation and working conditions of medical trainees in the Union Territory, where interns and postgraduate residents form an important part of the healthcare workforce.
