New Delhi: Centre is weighing a revision of MBBS internship stipends after a break in the two-year revision cycle followed over the previous six years, as per a health ministry RTI reply. Thousands of interns across central govt medical colleges and AIIMS institutions would benefit if the move is approved.
Health ministry records show that the stipend was revised from Rs 23,500 per month (in effect from Jan 1, 2018) to Rs 26,300 from Jan 1, 2020, and to Rs 30,070 from Jan 1, 2022. No revision has been announced since then.
In response to an RTI application seeking details on non-revision of MBBS internship stipends after Jan 1, 2022, ministry of health and family welfare said on June 15 that “the matter involves a policy decision and is presently under consideration within the ministry. The proposal is under review, vetting and administrative examination by the competent authorities.”
However, ministry declined to disclose file notings, committee observations and inter-departmental consultations, citing Section 8(1)(i) of RTI Act, which exempts records related to an ongoing decision-making process from disclosure. Ministry has also not indicated the likely quantum of any increase or a timeline for a decision on the issue.
