The Jammu and Kashmir government has increased the monthly stipend for medical interns, including MBBS, BDS, and foreign medical graduates (FMGs), doubling it from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000. This change will take effect from January 1, 2026. The decision comes amid a strike by medical interns demanding better pay and working conditions.
- The stipend hike was announced through a government order by the health and medical education department.
- The increase responds to a nearly 40-day strike by medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Interns had initially demanded a stipend of Rs 30,000 per month.
- Other states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar have also raised stipends for medical students.
Why did Jammu and Kashmir increase the stipend for medical interns?
Medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir went on strike to demand a higher monthly stipend. They argued that the existing stipend of Rs 12,300 was insufficient to cover their expenses during internships. The government responded by doubling the stipend to Rs 25,000 per month, aiming to address the interns' concerns and improve their financial support.
What was the process behind the stipend increase?
The government issued an official order through the commissioner/secretary of the health and medical education department. This order sanctioned the enhancement of the monthly stipend for MBBS, BDS, and FMG interns in Jammu and Kashmir. The increase is set to be effective from January 1, 2026.
How did the medical interns react to the stipend hike?
Medical interns had resumed their strike earlier, stating that the government had not fulfilled its assurance to increase the stipend by the agreed deadline. Although the government asked the interns to end the strike and promised to address their issues within a month, the interns were initially seeking a higher amount of Rs 30,000. The recent hike to Rs 25,000 is a significant step toward meeting their demands.
Are other states increasing stipends for medical students?
Yes, several other states have also increased stipends for medical students. Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have raised stipends for MBBS students. Additionally, Chhattisgarh and Bihar have increased the stipends for postgraduate medical and dental students. These changes reflect a broader trend to improve financial support for medical trainees across India.
What challenges do medical interns face regarding stipends?
Medical interns often face financial difficulties due to low stipends that do not fully cover their living and educational expenses. There is also a lack of uniformity in stipend amounts across different states and institutions. Some private medical colleges underpay interns compared to government colleges, leading to calls for a standardized stipend policy nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the new stipend amount be effective?
A: The stipend increase to Rs 25,000 per month will be effective from January 1, 2026.
Q: Who is eligible for the increased stipend?
A: The increased stipend applies to MBBS, BDS, and foreign medical graduate interns in Jammu and Kashmir.
Q: Did the interns demand a higher stipend than what was announced?
A: Yes, the interns initially demanded Rs 30,000 per month, but the government approved Rs 25,000.
Q: Have other states also increased stipends for medical students?
A: Yes, states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar have increased stipends for medical students.
