Srinagar May 16 (KNS): Students pursuing BSc Nursing in government colleges across Jammu and Kashmir are advocating for an internship stipend, citing guidelines from the Indian Nursing Council. Despite their efforts, the government is yet to implement this allowance, leaving students without financial support during their internship.
The students have appealed through a representation to the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, highlighting that BSc Nursing students in other states receive a monthly stipend of approximately ?13,500 during their six-month internship. They argue that this financial assistance is essential, given the significant academic and personal expenses they incur.
“B.Sc. Nursing students in other states of India receive a monthly stipend of approximately Rs 13500, which is 50% of the stipend given to MBBS interns. Unfortunately, BSc Nursing students in Jammu and Kashmir do not receive any similar financial assistance, despite undergoing comparable training and gaining substantial clinical experience,” they have written to the minister.
While MBBS students and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM Diploma) students in Jammu and Kashmir receive internship stipends, BSc Nursing students are excluded from this benefit. “This disparity has placed a financial burden on us as we are already grappling with other degree expenses,” they said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Reacting to the letter, the Minister directed the Administrative Secretary and Director Finance to examine the students' representations. The Director Finance has asked colleges to submit details of enrolled students and recommendations regarding stipend implementation.
As per official details and students, colleges of Anantnag, Baramulla, Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur, Kathua and Doda have submitted the details of the students to the health and medical education. A few are delaying the submission which has prompted the director to shoot them a reminder on May 6.
“The department is awaiting the submission of details from remaining colleges before approaching the Finance department for further action. We hope to receive them sooner,” an official in the Health and Medical Education department said.
The students are hopeful that the government will sanction the internship stipend, bringing parity with other states and UTs. They believe that this financial support will help alleviate some of the academic and personal expenses they face during their internship.(KNS)