‘Doesn’t even cover cost of commuting’: Kashmir medical interns protest against Rs 12,000 stipend

Medical interns in Kashmir are protesting against their current stipend of over Rs 12,000, arguing that it does not even cover the cost of commuting to work. The Congress party in the region has raised the issue with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, highlighting the long and demanding hours these young doctors work, including 36-hour shifts, while still receiving a stipend that is considerably lower than in other parts of the country.

The current stipend has not been revised in the last seven years. The government is reviewing the financial implication of increasing the stipend, but medical interns are continuing their strike until their demands are met.