Srinagar, Sept 07 (KNO): Amid the ongoing protest by MBBS interns demanding a stipend hike, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the matter rests with the Health Department and that no other department can take a decision.
Speaking with reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said he would like this matter to be resolved as soon as possible as it is not in anyone's interest.
He also expressed concern over the the issue, saying their work and internship were being affected. He added that the issue should be resolved at the earliest.
Putting ball into the health department's court, Omar said the government can take a decision only after the department concerned acts on it. "No other department can do anything," he said.
He said health minister Sakina Itoo had spoken to the concerned persons and that, as far as he knows, an assurance had been given.
"As far as I know, she has been given an assurance. But you should ask Sakina about what action will be taken in the future," Omar said.
Notably, MBBS interns in Jammu and Kashmir have been protesting over the past few days and also launched a hunger strike today, demanding a hike in their monthly stipend—(KNO)