Stipend for MBBS, BDS Interns Hike Under Finance Review; Panel Recommends Increase to Rs 25,000 | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that a committee constituted in 2023 has recommended enhancement of stipend for MBBS and BDS interns from the existing Rs 12,300 per month to Rs 25,000 per month, and the proposal is presently under consideration of the Finance Department.

Replying to Question tabled by MLA Salman Sagar and Starred AQ No 1108 tabled by MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma, the Minister Incharge, Health and Medical Education Department, said the committee was constituted vide Government Order No. 538-JK(HME) of 2023 dated June 27, 2023, under the chairmanship of Director Finance, H and ME.

The Minister clarified that while the question referred to a proposed increase to Rs 26,350 per month, the committee had recommended enhancement of the stipend to Rs 25,000 per month for MBBS and BDS internees.

The House was informed that the recommendations were examined in the department under e-office computer file No. 26494 and subsequently forwarded to the Finance Department for concurrence. However, the Finance Department sought additional information and clarifications on multiple occasions.

“These observations were communicated to the concerned colleges, which provided the required information from time to time. The submissions were duly examined and forwarded to the Finance Department accordingly,” the reply stated.

The Minister further said that during a meeting convened on June 24, 2024, the committee also decided to propose enhancement of stipend for students pursuing postgraduate (PG) and Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses across all medical and dental colleges of the Union Territory.

He said the department is actively considering the demand of MBBS and BDS internees and that the proposal has already been submitted to the Finance Department. “Once concurrence is granted by the Finance Department, a formal order shall be issued for implementation of the revised stipend,” the Minister said.

No specific timeline was indicated for issuance of formal orders, with the Government stating that implementation would follow after financial concurrence.