Medical interns in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal blocked roads and held a sit-in protest on Tuesday, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from Rs 14,337 to Rs 30,000. A day earlier, students had also protested outside the gate of the government-run Hamidia Hospital, where police used water cannons to disperse them. Following the incident, students have demanded compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh for injured interns.
A student said the protest would continue until the government provides an assurance in writing. “Till we get it in writing that our stipend will increase, we will continue protesting. We have not received any information on any conclusion, but we will see what happens.”
Student delegations claimed that states such as Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Rajasthan provide higher stipends to medical students despite having lower annual tuition fees.
The students said that Madhya Pradesh has a total of 3,655 medical interns, of whom 2,055 are enrolled in government medical colleges. They added that the annual MBBS fee is Rs 1 lakh, while the monthly stipend is Rs 14,337.
Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, who also holds the Health portfolio, told the media that positive talks had taken place with the interns and that he was also in touch with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. He said serious and positive discussions had been held on both issues — the demand for a stipend hike and Monday’s police action - and that the matter would be discussed again in the evening.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Ayush Gupta told the media that discussions were underway regarding the interns’ demands.
Speaking to the media, Collector Priyank Mishra said that the Deputy Chief Minister had gone to hold talks with the students.
“The Deputy CM has gone to speak with the students. They will present their views and hold discussions. I am fully confident that the students will put forth their points, and everyone will respect whatever decision the government takes after hearing them out. There is no need to sit outside all night like this. The government belongs to you. Listen to and understand the situation, respect the decision, and know that you can continue to voice your views in the future as well,” Mishra said.
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