Jahangeer Ganaie
SRINAGAR, Oct 21 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday raised the monthly stipend of MBBS and BDS interns, including Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000, prompting the All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) to call off its ongoing strike.
The Health and Medical Education Department issued a formal order, making the revised stipend effective from October 1, 2026. The increase of Rs 12,700 per month fulfils the interns’ long-pending demand following days of protests and an indefinite strike across the Union Territory.
The interns had been demanding a revision of their stipend in view of their clinical responsibilities, working hours and financial difficulties. The agitation intensified after they alleged that the government’s earlier assurance had not been followed by a formal order within the stipulated timeframe.
Welcoming the decision, AIMSA said the issuance of the order had addressed the principal demand behind the strike. The association thanked the government, administrative officials, political representatives and others who supported the interns’ campaign.
AIMSA, however, said its next priority would be to seek an increase in the stipend of postgraduate resident doctors pursuing MD, MS, MDS and DNB courses in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, President of AIMSA J&K, said the achievement belonged to all medical interns who remained united and continued to press for their demand. He also acknowledged the contribution of AIMSA representatives in mobilising interns and pursuing the matter with the authorities. (KNO)