Srinagar, Feb 17 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government is actively processing a proposal to substantially increase the monthly stipend for MBBS and BDS interns across the Union Territory, with the Health and Medical Education Department confirming that the matter is awaiting financial concurrence before formal implementation.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), replying to a question raised by MLA Salman Sagar in the Legislative Assembly, Health and Medical Education Department Minister Sakeena Itoo informed the House that a high-level committee constituted via Government Order No. 538-JK(HME) of 2023, dated June 27, 2023, under the chairmanship of the Director of Finance, H&ME, has already recommended enhancing the existing stipend from Rs 12,300 per month to Rs 25,000 per month for MBBS and BDS internees.
The minister said the committee’s recommendations were thoroughly examined within the department through the e-Office system and were subsequently forwarded to the Finance Department, J&K, for concurrence.
“However, the Finance Department sought additional information and clarifications on multiple occasions. These observations were promptly communicated to the concerned medical and dental colleges, which provided the requisite details from time to time. The submissions were examined carefully and forwarded again to the Finance Department,” Itoo said.
She further revealed that the committee convened another crucial meeting on June 24, 2024, within the Health and Medical Education Department to comprehensively review the proposal for stipend enhancement. During the same meeting, it was also decided to extend the proposal to include students pursuing postgraduate (PG) and DNB courses across all medical and dental colleges in the Union Territory.
“The department is fully cognizant of the long-standing demand of MBBS and BDS internees, as well as postgraduate students. The proposal for the enhancement of stipends has been submitted to the Finance Department for concurrence. Once the concurrence is granted, a formal government order will be issued for the implementation of the revised stipend structure,” the minister assured.
Medical students and interns across J&K have been demanding a revision of stipends for years, citing rising living costs and increased workload in hospitals. Many have welcomed the government’s move, expressing hope that the long-pending issue will finally be resolved in the coming months—(KNO)