PDP’s Ilteja Mufti Presses Umar Abdullah Government for Immediate Pay Raise

Ilteja Mufti, a prominent figure in the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party, has intensified pressure on the Umar Abdullah administration to approve a higher stipend for medical interns. Mufti pointed out that while the state spends lavishly on ministerial comforts and public events, the interns—who are the backbone of the health system—receive barely Rs 12,400 each month.

He underscored that interns work 36‑hour weeks, often without any leave, and are responsible for maintaining the entire hospital infrastructure. The proposed increase to Rs 30,000 has been pending for over two years, despite repeated appeals from the interns.

“The disparity is glaring when other states have already raised their interns' pay to Rs 60,000,” Mufti said, adding that the ongoing strike by the interns is disrupting essential health services. He urged the Chief Minister to schedule a meeting with the interns and approve the raise without further delay.

The PDP leader pledged continued solidarity with the interns, emphasizing that the region’s healthcare system cannot function effectively without fair remuneration for its future doctors.