Srinagar, Sep 8 (NVI) MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday called off their strike after the government gave a written assurance that their demand for enhancement of stipend would be resolved within a month.
The decision came after a delegation of protesting interns met Health Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo on Tuesday and discussed the issue.
According to the minutes of the meeting, the government assured the interns that the matter would be resolved within a month based on the recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee.
Following the assurance, the interns agreed to resume their duties, citing the larger interest of patient care as well as their academic and professional responsibilities.
The interns had earlier insisted on a formal and time-bound commitment from the government, saying verbal assurances were not sufficient.
They have been demanding an increase in their monthly stipend to Rs 30,000, citing their workload, responsibilities and contribution to patient care.
A fresh delegation of the protesting interns met the health minister on Tuesday to press for an early resolution of the issue.—(NVI)
