BAMS Interns in UP Still Await Stipend Hike Despite 2022 Promise

Despite a government announcement in 2022 to increase the stipend for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) interns from ₹7,500 to ₹12,000, students in Uttar Pradesh are still receiving the old amount.

Key Highlights

✔ Current Stipend: ₹7,500 (unchanged since 2011)
✔ Promised Stipend: ₹12,000 (announced in 2022, not implemented)
✔ Number of Govt Ayurvedic Colleges in UP: 8
✔ Total Graduates Annually: Around 350

Why the Delay?

• The UP government claims that the increase requires central government approval.
• Ayush Minister Dayashankar Dayalu stated that efforts are being made and approval is awaited.

Interns Demand ₹30,000 Stipend

• Interns argue that ₹250 per day is even lower than a daily wage laborer's pay.
• They demand at least ₹1,000 per day, i.e., ₹30,000 per month.
• Multiple protests have been held, but no action has been taken.

Comparison with Other States

• Gujarat: ₹15,120 (recently increased from ₹12,600)
• Jammu & Kashmir: ₹12,300
• Maharashtra, Assam, Karnataka, Kerala: Higher than UP

Government's Response

The UP Ayush Minister has assured that the stipend will be increased soon once the central government approves the proposal. However, with three years already passed, students remain skeptical.