Government hikes monthly stipend for MBBS, BDS interns to Rs 25,000 *Order issued after prolonged protests; enhanced stipend effective from Oct 1, including for foreign medical graduates*

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

JAHANGIR  GANIE

SRINAGAR, OCT 21 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday enhanced the monthly stipend for MBBS and BDS interns, including Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000, following prolonged protests by medical interns demanding fulfilment of the government’s assurance.

According to an order issued by the Health and Medical Education Department, a copy of which was accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the enhanced stipend will be applicable with effect from October 1, 2026.

The order states that sanction has been accorded to the enhancement of the monthly stipend payable to MBBS and BDS interns, including FMGs, across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Notably, the enhancement raises the monthly stipend by Rs 12,700, more than doubling the existing amount of Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000. The decision comes amid protests by MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir, who had launched an indefinite strike over the delay in implementing the promised stipend hike.—(KNO)