Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Oct 21
The government doubled the monthly stipend for MBBS and BDS interns to Rs 25,000 following renewed protests over a delay in approving the increase, according to a government order issued on Wednesday.
The Health and Medical Education Department raised the stipend from Rs 12,300 under Order No 747-JK(HME) of 2026.
The revised rate will also apply to foreign medical graduates and take effect retrospectively from October 1.
The decision came a day after medical interns resumed an indefinite strike, accusing the government of failing to honour a written assurance to resolve their demand within 30 days.
The interns had suspended a nine-day strike held from August 31 to September 8 after receiving the assurance.
When the deadline passed without a formal order, they resumed their agitation on October 20.
The All-India Medical Students Association had said the strike would continue until the government issued an official order, despite reports on Tuesday that the increase was being prepared.
The revised stipend represents an increase of Rs 12,700 a month, raising the annual payment per intern from Rs 1,47,600 to Rs 3 lakh.
The interns had sought a monthly stipend of Rs 30,000, citing the prolonged absence of a revision and rising living costs.
