Srinagar, Sep 5 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference (JKPC) General Secretary Imran Ansari on Saturday called for an immediate written and time-bound resolution of the stipend issue concerning MBBS and BDS interns in the Union Territory.

In a post on X, Ansari said the interns were not seeking a favour but "fairness, dignity and fair support" for the services they provide to the healthcare system.

Referring to the government's earlier decisions, he said Government Order No. 538-JK(HME), issued in June 2023, had recommended increasing the stipend for MBBS and BDS interns from the 2019 rate of Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000.

Ansari also said the government had informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in February 2026 that the proposal for enhancement of the stipend was under active process.

"Seven months later, as our young doctors strike across medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir demanding parity with other states at Rs 30,000, the Health Minister has asked them to wait another 30 days without giving even a single line of written commitment," he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Questioning the government's approach towards youth empowerment, Ansari asked whether the assurance was part of the commitments made in the election manifesto.

He said the issue could be resolved through a clear and time-bound administrative process, including directions from the Chief Minister's Office, financial concurrence, Cabinet approval and subsequent approval from the Lieutenant Governor before issuance of the government order.

"There is no justification for continuing to keep young medical interns waiting while they work long and demanding hours on the frontline of Jammu and Kashmir's healthcare system," Ansari said.

He urged the government to provide the protesting interns with a written commitment and notify the enhanced stipend without further delay.(KNS)