Srinagar, Sep 8: The striking medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir have called off their strike and resume duties after the government assured in writing that their demand for enhancement of stipend would be finalised within 30 days.
The decision came after detailed deliberations between the government and representatives of the protesting interns, who had been agitating for the past eight days over their demand for an increase in the monthly stipend.
The interns had intensified their protest by launching a 48-hour hunger strike yesterday, demanding that their stipend be increased from the existing Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000 per month.
The representation of the striking medical interns today met Health Minister Sakeena Itoo. The meeting was also attended by the Principal, Government Medical College Srinagar, Deputy Director Planning, representing the Director Health Services Kashmir.
The minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and said the concerns raised by the interns deserved due consideration, while assuring them that the government remained sensitive to their legitimate issues.
According to the proceedings recorded by the Personal Section of the Minister for Health and Medical Education, the government observed that the matter needed to be brought to a "logical conclusion" without avoidable delay so that the academic and professional responsibilities of the interns were not adversely affected and hospital services and patient care continued uninterrupted.
It was decided that the matter would be finalised within 30 days on the basis of recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee constituted under Government Order No. 538-JK(HME) of 2023, dated June 27, 2023.
The decision, the document said, would also take into consideration the legitimate interests and concerns of medical interns.
Following the assurance, the striking medical interns agreed to call off their strike and resume their duties, keeping in view the larger interest of patient care and to safeguard their academic and professional interests.
The interns have been demanding the stipend hike, arguing that the existing amount has remained unchanged for nearly seven years despite rising living costs and increased workload.
The government's assurance comes after the prolonged protest at several government medical colleges and hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir.
Srinagar, Sep 8: The striking medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir have called off their strike and resume duties after the government assured in writing that their demand for enhancement of stipend would be finalised within 30 days.
The decision came after detailed deliberations between the government and representatives of the protesting interns, who had been agitating for the past eight days over their demand for an increase in the monthly stipend.
The interns had intensified their protest by launching a 48-hour hunger strike yesterday, demanding that their stipend be increased from the existing Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000 per month.
The representation of the striking medical interns today met Health Minister Sakeena Itoo. The meeting was also attended by the Principal, Government Medical College Srinagar, Deputy Director Planning, representing the Director Health Services Kashmir.
The minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and said the concerns raised by the interns deserved due consideration, while assuring them that the government remained sensitive to their legitimate issues.
According to the proceedings recorded by the Personal Section of the Minister for Health and Medical Education, the government observed that the matter needed to be brought to a "logical conclusion" without avoidable delay so that the academic and professional responsibilities of the interns were not adversely affected and hospital services and patient care continued uninterrupted.
It was decided that the matter would be finalised within 30 days on the basis of recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee constituted under Government Order No. 538-JK(HME) of 2023, dated June 27, 2023.
The decision, the document said, would also take into consideration the legitimate interests and concerns of medical interns.
Following the assurance, the striking medical interns agreed to call off their strike and resume their duties, keeping in view the larger interest of patient care and to safeguard their academic and professional interests.
The interns have been demanding the stipend hike, arguing that the existing amount has remained unchanged for nearly seven years despite rising living costs and increased workload.
The government's assurance comes after the prolonged protest at several government medical colleges and hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir.
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