Srinagar, Aug 31 (GNS): MBBS interns at several government medical colleges and hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday began a coordinated protest, demanding an increase in their monthly internship stipend from the existing Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000.

The interns as per GNS, said that despite working long and demanding hours, including 36-hour shifts, their current stipend is considerably lower than that offered in several other states.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee President Tariq Hameed Karra has written to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah seeking urgent intervention in the matter.

In a letter dated August 31, 2026, Karra said that the demand being raised by the interns is genuine and deserves sympathetic and immediate consideration.

“Medical interns constitute an essential and integral part of our healthcare delivery system and shoulder significant responsibilities in hospitals while undergoing their compulsory internship. These young doctors routinely work long and demanding hours, including 36-hour shifts, attending to patients and performing their duties with dedication and commitment,” the letter reads.

Karra pointed out that when interns elsewhere are being provided better financial support for comparable responsibilities, the demand of J&K medical interns for a reasonable enhancement merits serious consideration.

He urged the Chief Minister to direct the concerned authorities to engage with the protesting interns, listen to their grievances and work towards an early and satisfactory resolution.

“Government’s positive intervention at this stage would not only address a legitimate concern of the medical fraternity but would also boost the morale of young doctors who are contributing significantly to the functioning of our hospitals and healthcare institutions,” he said.(GNS)