Kashmir interns protest Rs 12,000 stipend amid calls for raise
Medical interns in Srinagar's Government Medical College protested a stipend of about Rs 12,000, arguing it fails to cover costs and lags behind Rs 30,000-plus stipends elsewhere in the country. Political figures and the health minister acknowledged the issue and indicated a review of financial impl
Key takeaways
- Interns at Government Medical College, Srinagar, claim their monthly stipend is just over Rs 12,000.
- Protests occurred with participation extended to GMC Baramulla, highlighting ongoing discontent.
- Congress leaders pressed the issue with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, signaling political engagement.
- Health minister Sakina Itoo confirmed the matter is under review due to financial implications.
- Interns say stipends have not been revised for seven years, while some report that the current stipend does not cover commuting costs.
What Happened
Medical interns at the Government Medical College in Srinagar participated in protests on Monday, pressing for a higher monthly stipend. They reported that their stipend is just over Rs 12,000, far below the Rs 30,000-plus stipends cited in other parts of the country. The demonstrations extended to interns outside Srinagar, including those at GMC Baramulla, where participation was noted.
During the protests, Congress leaders in Jammu and Kashmir raised the issue with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Pradesh Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra wrote to the Chief Minister describing the interns’ work as demanding and noting that the stipend in J&K remains substantially lower than in many other regions. He characterized interns as an essential part of the healthcare system and highlighted long shifts, including 36-hour duties, undertaken by interns to service patients.
Health minister Sakina Itoo said the government has taken up the matter and described it as under review by the Finance Department due to its financial implications. She acknowledged the need to increase stipends and referenced rising costs, while also noting that the interns did not need to go on strike because it impacts patient care. Interns emphasized their roles in OPDs and night shifts as part of their routine duties and insisted on a commensurate stipend.
Witnesses at the protests included Dr Anam, who stated that the current stipend does not cover commuting costs for many interns, and another intern who preferred not to be named. A further participant, Asmat Yousuf, MBBS student at GMC Baramulla, described internship as compulsory and highlighted that interns perform routine hospital work including emergency services.
Why It Matters
The dispute centers on compensation for medical interns who perform substantial clinical duties as part of their compulsory internship. Advocates argue that the stipend, if increased, could improve morale and retain interns within the public healthcare system, potentially impacting service delivery during demanding shifts. The government frame indicates an acknowledgment of rising costs and a need to balance financial feasibility with the demands of healthcare staffing.
Background
The protests come after repeated claims that stipends for medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir have not been revised for several years. The exchange includes political pressure from the Congress party and a formal request to the Chief Minister advocating for a higher stipend level comparable to other regions in the country. The health minister’s comment points to a formal review process within state departments to assess the financial viability of any stipend increases.
Key Facts
- Location: Government Medical College, Srinagar, with participation also reported from GMC Baramulla.
- Stipend level cited by interns: just over Rs 12,000 per month.
- Stipend level referenced as higher in other parts of India: upwards of Rs 30,000 per month.
- Protests occurred on Monday, with ongoing demonstrations reported by party and health officials.
- Congress involvement: Tariq Hameed Karra sent a letter to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah advocating a raise in stipends.
- Government response: Health minister Sakina Itoo said the issue is under process with financial implications being reviewed by the Finance Department.
- Seven years since the stipend revision was last made, according to intern statements.
- Interns emphasize that stipends should reflect working conditions, including long shifts and significant patient care responsibilities.
What Happens Next
Officials indicate the matter is under review by the Finance Department due to financial considerations. No immediate stipend increase is reported in the available material, but the government has acknowledged the need to address the interns’ concerns and has stated that it is cognizant of rising costs.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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