MBBS and BDS interns across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir continued their 48-hour hunger strike on Tuesday, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend and a written government order formally implementing the enhancement.  According to Kashmir Media Service, the protesting interns have been agitating for more than a week, seeking an increase in the monthly stipend from Rs12,300 to Rs30,000. They have made it clear that the protest will continue until the authorities issue a formal written order on the matter. 

Interns from 10 Government Medical Colleges and two dental colleges across the occupied territory are participating in the agitation, highlighting growing frustration over the prolonged delay in revising their stipend.  The interns have also pointed to the non-implementation of an earlier government recommendation. Government Order No. 538-JK(HME), issued in June 2023, had proposed increasing the stipend from the 2019 rate of Rs12,300 to Rs25,000.

The proposed enhancement, however, has yet to provide the relief sought by the protesting medical trainees.  The latest escalation followed a meeting between representatives of the interns and the Health Minister. The interns said assurances given during the meeting were insufficient and reiterated that only a written government order would satisfy their demand.  The interns continued their hunger strike on Tuesday, maintaining that they would not call off their protest until the authorities formally notify the stipend enhancement. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)