Jammu and Kashmir medical intern stipend doubled to Rs 25,000 after protests

The Jammu and Kashmir government has doubled the monthly stipend for MBBS, BDS, and Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) interns to Rs 25,000, effective October 1, 2026. This decision, formally notified today, October 22, 2026, by the Health and Medical Education Department, follows widespread protests and an indefinite strike by interns across the region demanding an increase in their remuneration.

The hike represents an increase of Rs 12,700 per month, more than doubling the previous stipend of Rs 12,300, which had remained unchanged since 2019. On an annual basis, interns will now receive Rs 3 lakh, compared to the earlier Rs 1,47,600, marking an annual increase of Rs 1,52,400.

Background to the Stipend Increase

The decision to enhance the stipend comes after prolonged agitation by medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir. Interns had launched an indefinite strike on August 31, 2026, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend to Rs 30,000. Protests intensified, with intern doctors at Government Medical College in Rajouri, for instance, protesting on September 5, 2026, highlighting that the Rs 12,300 stipend had not been revised for nearly seven years despite rising living costs.

A protesting student in Jammu stated that the current stipend had remained unchanged since 2019, despite steep rises in the cost of living, accommodation, food, transport, and other essential expenses. An intern doctor at Government Medical College in Rajouri noted that a stipend enhancement committee was constituted in 2023, but no discussion or implementation had occurred since then. The All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) had urged the government to complete the formalities without further delay, stating verbal assurances were insufficient.

Government’s Rationale and Formal Notification

The Chief Minister’s office stated that the enhancement aims to financially support young health professionals in the region and acknowledge their dedication and commitment to patient care. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah approved the enhancement, directing the Health and Medical Education Department to issue the necessary orders immediately. The formal order, Government Order No. 747-JK(HME) of 2026, was issued by Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Health and Medical Education Department, Saugat Biswas.

The order sanctions the enhanced stipend for MBBS and BDS interns, including Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The formal order was expected to be issued on October 20, 2026, but was delayed due to a holiday, eventually being issued on October 21, 2026. The increase represents approximately 103.25 per cent over the existing amount.

Impact and Future Demands

Following the formal approval and notification, the All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) announced the withdrawal of the ongoing strike. This decision concludes a period of significant unrest among medical interns in the region. The increase in stipend is expected to provide substantial financial relief to these young health professionals.

AIMSA has indicated that it will now focus on securing a stipend hike for postgraduate resident doctors pursuing MD, MS, MDS, and DNB courses. This suggests a continued advocacy for improved financial support for medical professionals at various stages of their training in the region.

Further reading

• J&K MBBS interns resume strike over stipend, Chief Minister approves hike to Rs 25,000
• JKBOPEE NEET PG 2026: Register by revised deadline in Notice 070
• UP government doubles BAMS, BUMS, BHMS internship stipend to Rs 15,000
• UP Board topper Gyanesh Kumar’s journey from IIT to Chief Election Commissioner

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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