New Delhi: Dental Interns Demand Equal Stipend as MBBS interns

New Delhi: The BDS interns at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), have been avoiding work since 28th February, 2017 to bring to light the indifferent attitude of the government towards their demand for increased stipend which has not seen even one increase since 2003.

The stagnating stipend has been a burning issue with the BDS interns keeping in view the cost of living. It is reported that in the year 2003, the stipend of both MBBS and BDS students was set at pat at the rate of Rs 8900 per month. The remuneration of BDS students continues to stagnate at the rate of Rs. 8,900 since- despite the fact that similar category interns in MBBS courses have undergone three onward revisions since 2003.

According to facts the three times over revised stipend of MBBS students with Central Government Medical Colleges and institutions since 2003, has reached Rs.17,900 vide the last Ministry order( No S. 11014/4/98-ME-I dated 28.03.2016). However, BDS student's stipend continues to remain the same, .

The students of MAIDS, New Delhi undergoing internship since September, 2015 as part of the BDS program, have raised the issue both with the Director, MAIDS who forwarded the request to the Health Ministry. However, no action has been taken till now.

Letters regarding the issue have also been written to the G.O.I, who in turn has placed a request in writing to the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, but to no avail. All communication that has happened till now within the health department, at Secretary level seems to be merely taking departmental rounds.

With no response from the government, the BDS interns have now taken to the streets. The students have threatened complete shut down as well as a hunger strike if the government doesn't pay heed to their demands.