Medical interns strike in J&K over inadequate stipend, demand threefold hike

Medical interns across government hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir have revived their protest action, intensifying pressure on the administration to address their long-pending compensation demands. The junior doctors are seeking a significant raise in their monthly stipends, pushing for an increase from the existing ₹12,300 to ₹30,000.

The striking interns have adopted a firm stance, making clear they will not withdraw their agitation without a formal written order from the government acknowledging their demands. The move reflects growing frustration among the medical fraternity over what they consider inadequate remuneration for their services in government healthcare facilities.

The stipend disparity has emerged as a contentious issue, with junior doctors arguing that their current compensation is insufficient given the demanding nature of their work and extended duty hours in hospitals. The resumption of the strike threatens to disrupt healthcare services across government medical institutions in the union territory.

Government authorities have not yet issued any official statement responding to the interns' demands. The development highlights ongoing tensions between medical professionals and the administration over employment benefits and working conditions in the region's healthcare sector.