Rajouri MBBS Interns Join J&K-Wide Strike, Demand ₹30,000 Monthly Stipend

Meta Description: MBBS interns at Government Medical College Rajouri continue protests over stagnant stipends. They demand a hike from ₹12,300 to ₹30,000 per month. Read full details here.

Keywords: Rajouri news, GMC Rajouri, MBBS interns protest, J&K stipend hike, medical interns strike, Rajouri medical college, internship stipend India, Jammu Kashmir health news

Published: September 3, 2026 | Location: Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir

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Interns Hit the Streets Again

Rajouri, Sep 3 — The young doctors are not backing down. MBBS interns at Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri have once again taken to protest. They are demanding a sharp hike in their monthly stipend. The amount, they say, has stayed frozen for years.

The protest is part of a larger strike across Jammu and Kashmir. Interns in multiple government medical colleges have joined hands. Their message is clear: pay us what we deserve.

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What Are They Asking For?

The interns want their stipend raised from ₹12,300 to ₹30,000 per month. This figure matches what interns earn in several other states.

"We work round the clock," said one intern. "Emergency duties, night shifts, rural postings — we do it all. Yet our pay has not moved in seven long years."

Another intern added, "It is not just about money. It is about respect. We are the backbone of patient care here."

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The Workload Is Real

These interns handle emergency wards, OPDs, and inpatient units. They also cover night shifts and rural health centers. The workload has only grown over time. But the stipend has not kept pace with inflation.

"We are not asking for luxury," a protesting intern said. "We just want fair pay for honest work."

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How Does J&K Compare?

The current stipend of ₹12,300 is among the lowest in India. States like Assam, West Bengal, and Karnataka pay their interns close to ₹30,000. Even central institutes like AIIMS offer around ₹30,000 to ₹32,000.

In February this year, the J&K government had proposed doubling the stipend to ₹25,000. The plan is still stuck in procedural delays. Finance department approval is pending.

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The Human Cost

Many interns come from modest families. They moved to Rajouri for training. Rent, food, and travel costs have all shot up. But their income has stayed flat.

"I send money home when I can," said an intern. "After rent and food, nothing is left. It is hard to focus on patients when you are worried about bills."

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What Happens Next?

The interns have vowed to continue their agitation. They say talks with officials have only yielded empty promises. A statewide indefinite strike is already underway.

Health services in government hospitals could face disruption. The interns handle critical frontline duties. Their absence will be felt immediately.

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Government Response So Far

Officials have acknowledged the demand. But no formal order has been issued yet. The interns say they have heard "soon" too many times.

"We were told the file is with the Finance Department," one intern shared. "That was months ago. We cannot wait forever."

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Why This Matters

Medical interns are not students anymore. They are trainee doctors who save lives daily. Fair pay is not a perk. It is basic justice.

The Rajouri protest sends a strong signal. Young doctors across J&K are united. They want action, not assurances.

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