Bhopal: MBBS interns in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, September 9, called off their three-day protest after the state government agreed to raise their monthly stipend by 50%, from ₹14,337 to ₹21,500. The decision followed talks between Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla and representatives of the protesting interns, the Junior Doctors’ Association (JUDA) and Medical Teachers’ Association (MTA).
The interns had initially demanded ₹30,000 a month, citing their workload, rising living costs and disparities with stipends offered in other states. The agitation had intensified after police used a water cannon when the interns attempted to march towards Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s residence on September 7.
Protesters alleged that batons were also used and that some interns were injured. The government ordered an inquiry, while two police personnel were subsequently removed from active duty and attached to the police lines over their alleged involvement. Shukla called the police action “sad and condemnable” and assured the interns that no action would be taken against them for the protest.
A Stipend Dispute Escalates
The protest began on September 7 at Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital, with interns seeking a substantial revision of their ₹14,337 monthly stipend. They wanted the amount increased to ₹30,000, arguing that the existing payment did not adequately reflect their workload or the rising costs of accommodation, food and transport.
According to figures presented by the interns, Madhya Pradesh has around 3,655 MBBS interns across government and private medical colleges, including about 2,055 in government institutions. The demand also received support from the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), which called for better stipends and a mechanism for their periodic revision.
The situation changed sharply when the interns attempted to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence. Police deployed barricades near Hamidia Hospital and used a water cannon after some protesters attempted to move beyond the barricades.
Police said the action followed attempts to move towards the emergency gate, while the protesters maintained that they were holding a peaceful demonstration and alleged excessive use of force. Videos of doctors in white coats being hit by water jets circulated widely online, bringing further attention to the dispute.
Protest Widens Across Bhopal
The police action soon became a second major point of contention. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took note of the videos, following which Bhopal Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar ordered an inquiry. DCP Zone-2 Vikas Sahwal was appointed as the inquiry officer, while Additional Police Commissioner Shailendra Singh Chouhan said the investigation would be impartial and examine all aspects of the incident.
On Tuesday, the interns continued their sit-in near Kamla Park, disrupting traffic along the route between Polytechnic Square and Retghat. Junior doctors and other medical professionals joined the agitation, increasing concerns about disruption to healthcare services.
Reports said routine clinical services at Gandhi Medical College-affiliated hospitals were affected, although emergency services continued. The government’s response eventually addressed both sides of the dispute. Two policemen ASI Narendra Yadav, accused of using a baton, and constable Krishnadutt, who was operating the water cannon were attached to the reserve police lines.
Police officials said the inquiry remained underway and further action would depend on its findings. Shukla said the government was also prepared to support treatment for interns who were injured during the confrontation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The resolution of the Bhopal protest is a reminder that dialogue can prevent a disagreement from becoming a deeper conflict. The interns did not receive the ₹30,000 they had originally demanded, but the government’s decision to raise their stipend to ₹21,500 represents a significant 50% increase and gives both sides a path back from confrontation. At the same time, the inquiry into the police action and the removal of two personnel from active duty are important steps towards accountability. P
eaceful protest is a democratic right, and those raising concerns about working conditions particularly young medical professionals working within an already stretched healthcare system deserve to be heard with dignity. Equally, protests affecting roads and healthcare services can create difficulties for ordinary citizens and patients, making responsible dialogue even more important.
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