Dr Tahir demands immediate stipend hike for intern doctors

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 1: Senior BJP leader and spokesperson BJP J&K UT, Dr.Tahir Chowdhary, strongly condemned the continued inaction of the J&K Government on the long-pending demand of MBBS intern doctors for an immediate enhancement in their monthly stipend.

Dr.Chowdhary said it is deeply unjust that young doctors in Jammu and Kashmir are receiving only Rs 12,000 per month, despite performing demanding medical duties, working long hours, attending night shifts, handling emergencies and serving patients round the clock.

He stressed that the disparity becomes even more glaring when compared with other States and Union Territories, where intern doctors are receiving significantly higher stipends.

“When young doctors across other States and UTs are receiving substantially higher stipends for similar responsibilities, why should the doctors of J&K be paid only Rs 12,000? This disparity must end,” Dr.Chowdhary said.

According to comparative figures highlighted by the protesting doctors, stipends in several States are substantially higher, including Rs 44,319 in Odisha, Rs 43,099 in West Bengal, Rs 35,000 in Assam, Rs 30,000 in Karnataka, Rs 27,300 in Kerala, and Rs 26,300 in Delhi and Meghalaya.

Dr.Chowdhary said the interns are demanding a stipend of Rs 30,000 per month, which he described as a genuine, reasonable and justified demand considering their workload, responsibilities and rising cost of living.