Notice from colleges, assurance from government: J&K medical interns end stir

J&K medical interns called off their strike on September 4 after receiving assurance from the government that their monthly stipend issue will be addressed within a month. The decision was made after representatives of the interns met with Health Minister Sakina Itoo, along with the Principal of Government Medical College, Srinagar, and the Deputy Director of Planning.

The interns, who had been on strike since August 31, were demanding an increase in their stipend from Rs 12,500 to Rs 30,000, citing their heavy workload and long shifts in the healthcare system. During the meeting, Minister Itoo assured the interns that their concerns would be considered seriously by the government, which had already constituted a committee to examine their issue thoroughly.

The government's move came shortly after the medical colleges issued show-cause notices to the striking interns, prompting criticism from the Opposition accusing the Omar Abdullah-led government of hypocrisy.