Karnataka government finally hikes stipend for interns! Dearance allowance and time off yet to be sanctioned
Karnataka government agrees to ‘part of’ PG students demands, starting with increased stipends. Karnataka was ranked 22nd in the country when it came to stipend paid to medical students.
The increase in stipends of Post-Graduate students would be-by Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000 (first year students), Rs 35,000 (second year) and Rs 40,000 (third year), Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra told reporters. The cabinet also decided to hike the stipend of students working at government super speciality hospitals from Rs 45,000 to Rs 50,000, Jayachandra said.
Other demands pending
While the other demands like – dearance allowance and time off during a week are yet to be granted, the state government has considered the main demand for increasing doctors stipends. Earlier in August, the KARD (Karnataka Association of Resident Doctors) had put an ultimatum across to the government that stipends be increased, dearance allowance and time off be given. The government agreed to a discussion but later didn’t take the demands too seriously. As the August 31st deadline given by KARD dawned, doctors took to peaceful protests but things took an ugly turn when in Bidar, the protesting students were lathi charged and four doctors were arrested without reason.
A Small Victory
While the stipend hike comes as a big relief to the doctors in Karnataka, it is a small victory. Doctors continue to be treated badly, attacked and humiliated by the public even as they serve and provide selfless service. The government and state wise authorities need to recognize doctors service – provide benefits and security to allow them to do their jobs peacefully. Not harass and punish them unecessarily.
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Original Post : Outlook India