Discussions between student leadership and the administration hit a dead end as protesting medics insist that only a gazetted government notification will resume clinical services across GMCs.
By State Correspondents Bureau • Updated: September 5, 2026 • Jammu & Kashmir
Srinagar: The ongoing stalemate between medical interns and the Jammu and Kashmir administration intensified on Friday after a high-level representation of demonstrating MBBS and BDS interns outrightly turned down the government’s proposal for a four-week grace period to process their remuneration grievances.
During a crucial conference convened with Health Minister Sakeena Itoo and the Advisor to the Chief Minister, the protesting medics presented their long-standing petition calling for an immediate upward revision in monthly remuneration. Although the Minister conveyed that the demand remains actively under review and sought a one-month window to navigate administrative channels and formalize an order, the intern delegation declined the postponement, making it clear that normal clinical shifts will not restart based on verbal assurances.
Current Monthly Stipend
₹12,300
Demanded Revised Stipend
₹30,000
Briefing reporters regarding the outcome of the dialogue, Dr. Tasaduq, a protesting intern based at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, explained that administrative paperwork alone without legal fruition does not solve their everyday hardships.
“The minister informed us that the file has been moved to the Finance Department and that the administration is drafting a roadmap. However, seeking an entire month is simply unfeasible for us. We have exercised immense patience and cannot withdraw our protest solely on verbal guarantees. Our strike will persist unabated until a concrete notification is published hiking our monthly payment from ₹12,300 to ₹30,000.” — Dr. Tasaduq, GMC Srinagar Intern Representative
The student doctors noted that earlier commitments produced zero tangible outcomes, compelling them to hold the line until an authorized executive circular materializes.
Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan, Incharge of the All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) in Jammu and Kashmir, stated that the medical fraternity has endured undue delays and requires unambiguous clarity rather than indefinite discussions.
“The interns have shown substantial restraint over an extended stretch. If the executive leadership is truly serious about fixing this gap, there must be a definitive framework and an immediate official decree. Demanding that interns roll back demonstrations based solely on good-faith remarks is unwarranted.” — Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan, AIMSA J&K Incharge
Delegation Members at the Negotiations
- Dr. Tasaduq — AIMSA Leader / GMC Srinagar
- Dr. Akib — AIMSA Representative
- Dr. Shahnawaz — AIMSA Representative
- Dr. Faraz — AIMSA Representative
- Dr. Zamin — AIMSA Representative
- Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan — Incharge, AIMSA J&K (Coordination Lead)
The collective strike across Government Medical Colleges spanning both Jammu and Kashmir divisions enters a sensitive phase. With essential emergency and OPD support services feeling the pinch of missing house staff, all eyes remain on the Finance Department and the Chief Minister’s Secretariat to evaluate whether an accelerated decree can defuse the standoff.
@ 2026 State Correspondents
