Why are medical interns in J&K on a hunger strike? Here are their key demands.

Medical interns from 10 government medical colleges and two dental colleges in Jammu and Kashmir are agitating for an increase in their stipends. They have now launched a 48-hour hunger strike.

The protest by medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir has intensified. Interns at government medical and dental colleges have been on strike for the past seven days, demanding an increase in their monthly stipends. Despite several rounds of talks with the government, no formal written order regarding their demand has been issued so far. Consequently, the protesting interns began a 48-hour hunger strike on Monday. Let us now look at why these medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir are on a hunger strike and what their primary demands are.

Hunger strike launched after seven days of protests

Medical interns from 10 government medical colleges and two dental colleges in Jammu and Kashmir are agitating for a stipend hike. Even after a week-long strike, no concrete solution emerged from the discussions between the government and the interns. Following this, the protesting interns decided to escalate their agitation by launching a 48-hour hunger strike. The interns state that despite repeated discussions, representations, and assurances, no formal written executive order regarding the stipend revision has been issued.

What are the medical interns' key demands?

The primary demand of the medical interns is an increase in their monthly stipend. They point out that the current stipend is ₹12,300 per month—an amount that has remained unchanged for nearly seven years. The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) also wrote to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, noting that this stipend amount is among the lowest in the country. The interns state that a competent committee has already made recommendations regarding this matter; therefore, instead of waiting any longer, they are demanding the implementation of those recommendations.

Interns Unsatisfied with Verbal Assurances

Protesting medical interns state that while the government keeps asking for more time, they have already been waiting for a resolution to this issue for nearly three years. The interns argue that if the government were truly serious about their concerns, it would not take such a long time to issue the necessary orders. They point out that the recommendation to increase their stipend was made back in 2023. Even assuming the government began treating the matter seriously only after the strike commenced, more than a week has passed since then without any official order being issued. The interns say they are being offered verbal assurances but are no longer willing to call off their protest based on such promises alone. Furthermore, the protesting interns have alleged that the college administration is pressuring them and attempting to force them to return to duty. They claim that messages conveyed through the principals are creating pressure for them to end the agitation and resume work.

What CM Omar Abdullah Said

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also responded to the medical interns' protest. He remarked that the situation should not have escalated to this point. According to the Chief Minister, this is a matter concerning the Health Department, and no other department can intervene without a decision from the Health Department. Omar Abdullah stated that Health Minister Sakina Itoo has held discussions with the medical interns and, to the best of his knowledge, assurances have been given to them. He emphasized that the issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible.