Medical interns in Jammu & Kashmir begin open-ended strike over stipend levels
MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu & Kashmir's medical colleges have launched an indefinite strike, demanding their monthly stipend rise from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000.
The interns, who perform 24-hour rotations and rural postings, say their pay has not changed for seven years while peers in other states receive between Rs 25,000 and Rs 45,000. A 2023 committee from the health and medical education department had suggested a Rs 25,000 stipend for the 2025-26 academic year. On Monday, Congress’ J&K unit chief Tariq Hameed Karra wrote to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urging swift, sympathetic action on the demand.
Why it matters
The strike highlights growing discontent among future doctors in J&K over stagnant pay, potentially affecting healthcare delivery.
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