1 day ago
Kashmir medical interns protest low stipends as government reviews increase
Medical interns in Kashmir are asking the government for more money each month.
They currently receive about Rs 12,000.
The interns say they work long hours, including night shifts and emergency duties.
They also say the money is not enough to cover commuting and living costs.
Interns in some other parts of India reportedly receive more than Rs 30,000.
Congress leader Tariq Hameed Karra asked the chief minister to consider their demand quickly.
Health Minister Sakina Itoo said the government is examining the cost of raising the stipend.
The interns plan to continue their strike until the stipend is increased.
Medical interns across Kashmir are protesting a monthly stipend of about Rs 12,000.
Interns say the stipend has not been revised in seven years and does not cover commuting costs.
They report working long shifts, night duties, outpatient services and emergency care.
Congress leader Tariq Hameed Karra urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to increase the stipend.
Health Minister Sakina Itoo said the proposal is under review because of its financial implications.
- Who
- Medical interns across Kashmir, supported by Congress leader Tariq Hameed Karra, are seeking higher stipends; Health Minister Sakina Itoo addressed the government’s review.
- What
- Interns are protesting and striking for an increase in their monthly stipend, currently about Rs 12,000.
- Where
- Protests took place at Government Medical College in Srinagar, GMC Baramulla and other hospitals across Kashmir.
- When
- The protests were held on Monday; the interns said they would continue the strike until the stipend is enhanced.
- Why
- Interns say the stipend is inadequate for their long hours, duties and commuting costs, while the government says an increase has financial implications.
Interns and supporters
Government position
Adequacy of the stipend
Interns and supporters
Interns and Congress leader Tariq Hameed Karra say the current stipend is inadequate compared with workload, living costs and stipends elsewhere.
Government position
The government acknowledged a need to increase the stipend but has not yet approved a revised amount.
Protest and patient care
Interns and supporters
Interns say continuing the strike is necessary to secure dignity and a meaningful response to their demand.
Government position
Health Minister Sakina Itoo said the interns did not need to strike because industrial action affects patient care.
Timing of an increase
Interns and supporters
Karra called for sympathetic and immediate consideration of the interns’ demand.
Government position
Itoo said the proposal is under review because increasing stipends has financial implications.
Key facts
- Current stipend
- About Rs 12,000 per month; interns at GMC Baramulla cited Rs 12,300.
- Comparison
- Interns said stipends in other parts of the country are upwards of Rs 30,000.
- Revision history
- Protesting doctors said the stipend has not been revised in seven years.
- Workload
- Interns reported handling outpatient departments, night shifts, routine work and emergency services.
- Government status
- The proposed increase is under process and under review by the Finance Department.
- Political intervention
- Pradesh Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra wrote to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah seeking an increase.
- Government concern
- Health Minister Sakina Itoo said a strike affects patient care.
Quotes
Asmat Yousuf
MBBS student at GMC Baramulla
“Internship is a compulsory training but we run all routine work at the hospital, including emergency services. The current stipend of Rs 12,300 is inadequate when compared to the living costs and our other responsibilities.”
indianexpress.com
“The government needs to be sensitive to our plight. It is our right to be treated with some dignity and the demand for a better stipend is a step in that direction.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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