Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Medical Interns Continue Strike as J&K Stipend Hike Awaits Approval
Medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir are on strike.
They want their monthly stipend to be increased.
They currently receive Rs 12,300 each month.
They are asking for Rs 30,000.
The stipend has not changed since 2019.
Health Minister Sakina Itoo said their demand is genuine.
She said the government has already sent a file to the Finance Department for consideration.
She asked the interns to stop striking.
The interns said they may begin a hunger strike if there is no response by Sunday.
Itoo also accused political parties of using the issue for political purposes.
Medical interns at government medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir continued their indefinite strike for a fifth day on Friday.
The interns are seeking an increase in their monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000.
The stipend has remained unchanged since 2019, according to the report.
Health Minister Sakina Itoo said the demand was genuine and that an enhancement file was under consideration by the UT Finance Department.
The interns warned they would begin a hunger strike if their demand was not addressed by Sunday.
- Who
- Medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir and Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo.
- What
- Interns are striking for a substantial increase in their monthly stipend, while the government says an enhancement proposal is under consideration.
- When
- The strike was continuing for the fifth consecutive day on Friday; the interns set Sunday as a deadline before a possible hunger strike.
- Where
- Government medical colleges across Jammu and Kashmir; Minister Itoo spoke in Bijbehara town, Anantnag district.
- Why
- The interns want their stipend raised from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000 after no revision since 2019.
Government Position
Interns' Position
Whether to continue the strike
Government Position
Sakina Itoo said the interns should end their strike because the government has already initiated the process for revising the stipend.
Interns' Position
The interns continued their indefinite strike for a fifth day and warned of a hunger strike if their demand is not addressed by Sunday.
Stipend revision
Government Position
The minister acknowledged that the demand for a higher stipend is genuine and said the proposal is with the Finance Department.
Interns' Position
The interns are demanding a substantial increase from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000 per month, citing the lack of change since 2019.
Political involvement
Government Position
Itoo criticised political parties for expressing support, alleging that some were using the protest for political purposes.
Interns' Position
Political parties have extended support to the protesting trainee doctors, according to the report.
- Current stipend
- Rs 12,300 per month
- Requested stipend
- Rs 30,000 per month
- Last revision
- The stipend has remained unchanged since 2019
- Strike duration
- Five consecutive days as of Friday
- Government position
- The demand is genuine, and an enhancement file is under active consideration by the UT Finance Department
- Possible escalation
- Interns warned of a hunger strike if the issue is not addressed by Sunday
- Minister
- Sakina Itoo, J&K Health and Education Minister