Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 6: The Association of State Medical Interns (ASMI) has called off its strike after the Maharashtra government agreed to increase the monthly stipend for MBBS interns by Rs 7,000, raising it from Rs 18,000 to Rs 25,000.

The decision followed a meeting held on Thursday, attended by Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, senior government officials, including the principal secretary, deputy secretary, commissioner and director of the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), along with ASMI representatives.

While the agreement marks a breakthrough in the interns' agitation, ASMI said several of its demands remain unresolved.

The association said the Government Resolution (GR) formalising the revised stipend is expected to be issued within one to one-and-a-half months due to administrative procedures.

ASMI general secretary Dr Raman Pawar said the association had initially demanded a monthly stipend of Rs 30,000. However, it agreed to certain compromises with the government in view of the ongoing drought situation.

He added that the association would continue to pursue its demands for a three per cent annual increase and a minimum monthly stipend of Rs 30,000, at least for interns in the Mumbai region.