Health ministry acknowledges justification for stipend raise by J&K interns

The health minister of Jammu and Kashmir confirmed that the call by medical interns for a higher stipend is justified. The statement came after interns from multiple government medical colleges halted clinical services to demand their monthly allowance be raised to ₹30,000.

Interns, who constitute the essential workforce in emergency departments, wards and outpatient sections, claim that their present stipend of ₹12,300 has not been updated for six years despite soaring living costs. They point out that other Indian states offer considerably higher allowances.

The strike has disrupted patient care across the Union Territory, prompting concerns among hospital administrators. JKSA’s convener reiterated that interns routinely work 24‑36 hour shifts, making the current remuneration untenable.

The minister's acknowledgment may pave the way for negotiations, but a resolution is still pending as the interns maintain their indefinite strike until their demands are satisfied.