SRINAGAR, Sept 7: Medical interns at the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Medical College, Bemina, on Monday launched a hunger strike as part of their ongoing agitation seeking an increase in their monthly internship stipend.
The protesting interns, belonging to the MBBS 2021 batch, intensified their agitation after repeated discussions with the administration failed to result in a formal written order approving revision of the stipend.
In a statement, the interns said they had decided to begin the hunger strike following the continued lack of a written commitment from the authorities despite several rounds of dialogue and assurances.
“Our stand is clear: No Written Order — No End to the Protest,” the interns said, adding that the hunger strike would continue until a formal order addressing their demand is issued and the process is expedited.
The interns said their demand was aimed at ensuring fair compensation for the responsibilities and workload shouldered by intern doctors, describing the issue as one of justice and dignity.
They appealed to the administration and concerned authorities to take immediate cognisance of their concerns and resolve the impasse through a formal government order.
The hunger strike marks a further escalation in the broader agitation by MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir seeking an increase in the monthly internship stipend to Rs 30,000.
The interns have maintained that verbal assurances are no longer sufficient and that they would continue their protest until the government issues a written order.
At present, medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir receive a monthly stipend of Rs 12,300, which, according to the protesting interns, has remained unchanged since 2019 despite a substantial rise in the cost of living and prices of essential commodities.
The SKIMS Bemina interns said the hunger strike was intended to press for an early resolution of the issue while keeping the channel of dialogue open, but made it clear that they would not withdraw the agitation solely on the basis of further verbal assurances.
