J&K Medical College Interns Begin Hunger Strike Over Stipend Hike Demand

September 7, 2026

Srinagar: Medical interns of Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Medical College in Bemina on Monday launched a hunger strike, escalating their ongoing protest over the demand for an increase in their internship stipend.

The MBBS 2021 batch interns said they were forced to intensify the agitation after repeated discussions and assurances from the administration failed to result in a formal written order approving the stipend revision.

‘No Written Order, No End to Protest’

In a statement, the protesting interns said their decision to begin the hunger strike followed the continued failure of talks with the administration to culminate in an official order.

“Our stand is clear: No Written Order — No End to the Protest,” the interns said, adding that the hunger strike would continue until a formal order addressing their demand is issued and the process is expedited.

The interns said their demand was linked to justice, dignity and fair compensation for the responsibilities undertaken by intern doctors. They appealed to the administration and concerned authorities to take immediate cognisance of the issue and resolve the impasse through a written order.

Interns Demand Monthly Stipend of Rs 30,000

The hunger strike marks a further escalation in the wider agitation by MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir over their demand to increase the monthly internship stipend to Rs 30,000.

The interns have maintained that verbal assurances are no longer sufficient and that the agitation will continue until the government issues a formal order.

“We seek dialogue. We seek justice. We seek a written order,” the protesting interns said.

The SKIMS Bemina interns clarified that the hunger strike was aimed at pressing for an early resolution and did not mean an end to dialogue. However, they made it clear that they would not withdraw the protest merely on the basis of further assurances.

Stipend Has Remained Rs 12,300 Since 2019

At present, medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir receive a monthly stipend of Rs 12,300. The protesting interns said the amount has not been increased since 2019 despite a significant rise in the prices of essential commodities and the overall cost of living.

The interns are seeking a revision to Rs 30,000 per month and have called for the government to issue a formal order to end the ongoing uncertainty over the matter.