Srinagar, Oct 20: The Jammu and Kashmir government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has approved an increase in the monthly stipend of MBBS and BDS interns from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000.

The proposed revision will increase the monthly stipend by Rs 12,700, marking a rise of approximately 103 per cent. The Health and Medical Education Department is expected to issue a formal order to implement the decision, with the notification reportedly awaited on Wednesday, October 21.

The decision comes amid protests by medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir over the prolonged delay in revising their stipends. The interns have been demanding an increase to Rs 30,000 per month, citing the rising cost of living and the demanding nature of their hospital duties.

The existing stipend of Rs 12,300 has remained a major concern for interns, who have repeatedly urged the government to revise the amount in line with their responsibilities and financial needs.

The issue has been under consideration for several months. A committee constituted by the Health and Medical Education Department in 2023 had recommended increasing the monthly stipend to Rs 25,000. The proposal subsequently underwent administrative and financial scrutiny.

The approval comes as interns have resumed their agitation over the delay in issuing a formal order. They had expressed dissatisfaction over the repeated postponement of a decision on their demand.

The revised stipend is expected to provide financial relief to MBBS and BDS interns serving in government medical institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. Further details regarding the implementation date and other provisions are expected to emerge with the issuance of the official government order.