Srinagar, Oct 20 (JKNS): MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir have launched an indefinite strike over the government’s failure to issue a formal order on the enhancement of their stipends despite a written assurance that the matter would be finalised within 30 days.
The protesting interns in Srinagar GMC told news agency JKNS that the government had provided a written assurance that the matter would be finalised within 30 days, but the commitment remained unfulfilled despite repeated representations and discussions with the concerned authorities.
Carrying placards reading “Written assurance given, 30 days passed, still no order” and “Government must keep its word,” the interns expressed disappointment over the expiry of the stipulated timeframe without any formal decision.
“The government gave a written assurance to finalise the matter within 30 days. We are still waiting, and there is no official order. Assurances are not a solution anymore; we want implementation of the commitment made to us,” the protesting interns said.
They referred to government record notes dated September 4 and September 9, 2026, which, according to them, stated that the matter would be finalised within 30 days. The failure to issue the order within the promised timeframe has further deepened their dissatisfaction, they said.
‘Same Assurances, Same Delays’
The interns said repeated assurances without a concrete administrative decision had left them with little confidence in further discussions with the government.
“Same assurances, same delays and the same pattern. Enough is enough. We have been patient and have repeatedly approached the authorities, but the outcome remains the same. We cannot continue waiting indefinitely when a written commitment has already been made,” they said.
The interns alleged that despite repeated engagements with the authorities, the matter had not reached a conclusion. They also expressed displeasure over what they described as discourteous treatment by some officials and alleged that warnings had been issued to some individuals pursuing the demand.
Indefinite Strike Until Official Order
Announcing an indefinite strike, the MBBS and BDS interns said thry would continue their agitation until the government issues the formal order on stipend enhancement.
An intern said the failure to honour the written assurance had left them feeling betrayed, warning that the protest could be intensified if the government failed to act despite the ongoing strike.
“We feel betrayed. The government gave us a written assurance that the matter would be finalised within 30 days, but even after the stipulated period, there is no order. We have been patient and have repeatedly approached the authorities, but our concerns continue to be ignored. If the government still fails to honour its commitment, we will be forced to go on a hunger strike,” the intern said.
The protesting interns reiterated their demand, stating, “Written assurance given, 30 days passed, no official order. Interns are still waiting. We will continue our strike until the official order is issued.”
They appealed to the government to intervene and ensure that the pending decision is implemented, asserting that issuance of the formal order was the only acceptable outcome after repeated assurances.
The interns said they were seeking implementation of an existing commitment rather than a fresh promise and urged the authorities to bring the prolonged uncertainty over the stipend hike to an end. (JKNS)
