J&K MBBS BDS Intern Strike 2026: Medical Interns Demand Stipend Hike to Rs 30,000, Check Details

The J&K MBBS BDS Intern Strike 2026 has started as medical and dental interns across Jammu and Kashmir launched an indefinite protest over what they describe as an inadequate monthly stipend. The interns are demanding an increase in their stipend from the existing Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000 per month.

The J&K MBBS and BDS interns strike began on Monday, August 31, with interns boycotting duties and staging protests at different locations. The protesting interns said that the current stipend has remained unchanged for several years despite rising inflation, living expenses and the responsibilities handled by them in government hospitals.

The issue has brought the Jammu Kashmir medical intern stipend 2026 into focus, particularly as interns have compared their remuneration with the stipends provided in several other states.

J&K Medical Interns Strike 2026: What Are They Demanding?

The central demand of the J&K medical interns strike 2026 is a revision of the monthly stipend. Interns currently receive Rs 12,300 per month and are seeking an increase to Rs 30,000.

According to the protesting interns, their current stipend has remained at around Rs 12,300 for nearly seven years. They argue that the amount does not adequately reflect their workload, long working hours and responsibilities in medical colleges and hospitals.

The interns have also demanded a written government order confirming the stipend hike rather than verbal assurances. They said the indefinite strike will continue until there is clarity and a formal decision on their demand.

J&K MBBS BDS Internship Stipend: Why Are Interns Protesting?

The protesting MBBS and BDS interns in Jammu and Kashmir said they perform duties in emergency departments, outpatient departments, wards and other hospital services.

They also pointed to night shifts, long working hours and rural postings as some of the responsibilities undertaken during their internship. According to the interns, they are involved in patient-care activities and assist doctors across different hospital departments despite receiving a relatively low stipend.

The interns have argued that the stipend should be revised in line with inflation and the amounts being paid to medical interns in other parts of the country.

J&K Medical Intern Stipend 2026: Comparison With Other States

The J&K medical intern stipend 2026 has also come under scrutiny because of the difference between the amount paid in Jammu and Kashmir and stipends reported by interns in other states.

According to comparative figures displayed by the protesters, Odisha provides Rs 44,319 per month, while West Bengal provides Rs 43,099 and Assam Rs 35,000. Karnataka reportedly provides Rs 30,000, while Kerala provides Rs 27,300. Delhi and Meghalaya are listed at Rs 26,300.

The figures were presented by the protesting interns as part of their argument for revising the J&K MBBS BDS internship stipend.

J&K Intern Stipend Hike: Previous Recommendations

The interns have also raised concerns over the delay in implementing an earlier recommendation on the stipend.

According to a protesting intern, a committee constituted by the Health and Medical Education Department in 2023 had recommended increasing the stipend to around Rs 25,000 for 2025-26. The issue was subsequently raised during the 2026 Assembly session, where a proposed stipend of around Rs 26,300 was mentioned. However, the interns said the proposal remains pending.

The protesters have sought a clear decision from the administration and said they do not want to depend on assurances regarding the proposed J&K medical internship stipend hike.

J&K MBBS BDS Intern Strike 2026 FAQs