SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 08: The SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, on Tuesday issued show-cause notices to medical interns participating in a strike over their stipend, directing them to explain within 24 hours why disciplinary action should not be initiated against them.
In the notice, Principal SKIMS Medical College said interns who were absent from their duties must explain their position within the stipulated period, failing which the matter would be dealt with under the applicable rules.
Medical interns across government medical and dental colleges in Jammu and Kashmir have been on strike since last Monday, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000.
The college said the strike had adversely affected patient care and emergency services.
Citing an NMC notification, the notice termed the interns' absence from duty as “gross indiscipline and professional misconduct”, warning that it could lead to curtailment, temporary suspension or even cancellation of internship.
The authorities also pointed out that interns had submitted affidavits at the time of joining, undertaking to maintain discipline, follow college rules and refrain from strikes or other acts of indiscipline.
Meanwhile, PDP leader Iltija Mufti criticised the action, accusing the Omar Abdullah government of “double speak” over the interns' demand.
“India is a democracy, we are entitled to peaceful protests. You cannot hold them to ransom on the basis of a silly affidavit,” Mufti said in a post on X, while urging the Chief Minister to raise the interns' stipend.
