J&K medical interns begin 48-hour hunger strike over Rs 30,000 stipend demand

Medical interns from 10 government medical colleges and two dental colleges across Jammu and Kashmir began a 48-hour hunger strike on Monday, escalating their week-long protest over a demand for an increase in their monthly stipend. The move followed talks with the government that failed to produce a written order on the proposed hike.

The interns, who are currently paid Rs 12,300 a month, are demanding an increase to Rs 30,000. They have argued that the stipend has remained unchanged for years despite their demanding clinical responsibilities, including emergency duties, night shifts and rural postings. A government committee constituted in 2023 had recommended an increase, but the revised amount has not yet been formally implemented.

The protesters said they had initially launched an indefinite strike and were now resorting to the hunger strike to put sustained pressure on the administration. Intern representatives said they would continue their agitation until the government issues an official order rather than relying on verbal assurances.

“Our strike is indefinite. It will not stop until we receive an official order,” a protesting intern, Dr Faraz, said, adding that students from different colleges had voluntarily come forward to participate in the hunger strike.

The interns also alleged that some college authorities were attempting to intimidate them and pressure them into withdrawing the protest. Another intern, Dr Musharaf, said negotiations with the government had produced some positive developments but had not yet resulted in a resolution.

PDP urges dialogue, alleges intimidation

Amid the escalation, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and hold direct talks with the protesting interns. The party alleged that college authorities were threatening the interns with consequences and contacting their parents in an attempt to pressure them into ending the agitation.

The PDP said peaceful protest was a democratic right and urged the government to stop what it described as intimidation and address the interns’ demand through dialogue.

The party's intervention follows growing political support for the interns' demand, with opposition leaders and political groups calling for the long-pending stipend issue to be resolved.

What the government has said

The J&K government has acknowledged the interns’ demand as genuine but maintained that the matter requires administrative approval. Health Minister Sakina Itoo has said the file concerning the stipend enhancement is with the Finance Department and that the government is working to resolve the issue.

The government had earlier told the Assembly that a committee constituted in June 2023 had recommended increasing the stipend from Rs 12,300 to around Rs 25,000. The interns, however, have rejected further delays and are insisting on a formal written order.

Recent discussions between government representatives and the interns reportedly included a proposed administrative timeline of about 30 days, but the protesters said they were unwilling to suspend their agitation without a written commitment.

with inputs from PTI