Srinagar, Sept 08: The MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday decided to call of their strike after the government gave a “written” assurance that the stipend issue will be resolved within a month.
The decision followed meetings between Health Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo and a delegation of the protesting interns today afternoon.
According to the minutes of the meeting, a copy of which lies with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the government has assured the interns that the matter will be resolved within a month on the basis of recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee.
The interns have agreed to call off their strike and resume duties, keeping in view the larger interest of patient care as well as their academic and professional responsibilities.
The interns had repeatedly maintained that verbal assurances would not be sufficient and had been seeking a formal and time-bound commitment be set by the government on stipend hike demand.
Noatbly, the interns have been demanding enhancement of their monthly stipend to Rs 30,000, arguing that the existing amount does not adequately reflect their workload, responsibilities and contribution to patient care.
A fresh delegation of the protesting interns met the Health Minister today to press for resolution of the issue—(KNO)
