J&K medical interns strike suspended: MBBS interns across Jammu and Kashmir, who had been on strike over stipend-related demands, suspended their protest on Tuesday after receiving an assurance from Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo that their stipend would be revised and enhanced within one month.
In a letter addressed to the Principal, Government Medical College, Jammu, the interns confirmed their decision, stating it was based on the minister’s assurance following a meeting held specifically to discuss their concerns. The move brings a temporary end to a standoff that had disrupted duties at several medical colleges across the Union Territory.
What the Interns Said?
In their letter, the interns wrote: “In view of this assurance and in the interest of maintaining uninterrupted patient care and academic activities, we have decided to temporarily call off our ongoing strike for a period of one month, with effect from today.”
They were clear, however, that this is a temporary suspension, not a withdrawal of their demand. The interns added: “In the event that the promised revision is not implemented within the stipulated one-month period, we shall be compelled to reconsider our course of action.” They also said the decision was taken “in good faith” and solely on the basis of the minister’s assurance.
What Happened at the Meeting?
On Tuesday, Minister Sakina Itoo chaired a meeting attended by the Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar, the Deputy Director Planning, a representative of the Director Health Services (Kashmir), and a delegation of medical interns representing various medical colleges across J&K.
The delegation raised concerns about the existing stipend structure, pointing to the workload, duties, and responsibilities involved in their day-to-day roles within the healthcare system.
According to an order issued by Peerzada Zahoor Ahmad, Officer on Special Duty to the Health Minister, the minister acknowledged that the interns’ concerns “deserve due consideration” and informed the delegation that the matter is already under examination by a specially constituted committee, reflecting what the order described as “the seriousness with which the Government is addressing the matter.”
The 30-Day Timeline
Following detailed discussions, it was decided that the matter would be finalised within 30 days, based on the recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee, while taking into account the interns’ concerns. As a result, the interns agreed to call off their strike and resume duties immediately, citing patient care and their own academic and professional interests as key reasons for the decision.
Background: Show-Cause Notices and Political Reactions
Before the resolution, tensions had escalated at several institutions. The Principal of Government Medical College, Anantnag, had issued a show-cause notice to Dr Akib Javed, one of the protesting interns. Other medical colleges, including SKIMS Bemina, had similarly directed interns to rejoin duty or face disciplinary action, terming the strike an act of indiscipline.
The situation drew sharp political reactions as well. PDP leader Iltija Mufti criticised the disciplinary notices on X, writing that the interns were “rational human beings, not cattle to be herded,” and urged authorities to show compassion instead of using punitive measures against them. Separately, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had remarked on Monday, a day before the resolution, that the matter should have been resolved much earlier.
What Happens Next?
With the strike suspended and interns back on duty, attention now shifts to whether the Stipend Enhancement Committee delivers its recommendations on time and whether the government follows through with an actual revised stipend structure within the promised 30-day window. The interns’ letter makes clear that a failure to act within this period could reignite the protest.
FAQs
Question: Why did J&K medical interns suspend their strike?
Answer: They suspended it after Health Minister Sakina Itoo assured them that their stipend would be revised within one month, based on recommendations from a specially constituted committee.
Question: Have the interns withdrawn their demand for a stipend hike?
Answer: No, they have only temporarily suspended the strike for 30 days and have stated they may resume their protest if the revision isn’t implemented within that period.
Answer: What action had been taken against protesting interns before the resolution?
Question: Some medical colleges, including GMC Anantnag and SKIMS Bemina, had issued show-cause notices asking interns to rejoin duty or face disciplinary action.
