NMC serves show cause notices to 20 medical colleges in Karnataka over student stipend

NMC issues show cause notices to 20 medical colleges in Karnataka for failing to submit stipend details.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued show cause notices to 10 government and 10 private medical colleges in Karnataka, which have not submitted the details of the stipend paid to medical graduate (UG) interns, postgraduate (PG) residents, and senior residents or PGs in the super speciality.

The NMC has questioned why appropriate action should not be taken against colleges that have failed to submit the details of the stipend paid. As per the Supreme Court order, it is mandatory for all medical colleges to submit details of the stipend amount given every month to the NMC.

In this context, the NMC had ordered colleges on April 1, 2024, to submit the stipend details for the year 2024-25 by the fifth of every month. However, 20 colleges in Karnataka have not submitted details so far.

Currently, Karnataka is providing a stipend of ₹28,889 per month to undergraduate medical interns, ₹56,250 to first-year postgraduate medical students, ₹62,500 to second-year students and ₹68,750 to third-year students. Super speciality medical students are paid ₹55,000 in the first year, ₹60,000 in the second year, and ₹65,000 in the third year. Senior residents are paid ₹60,000. As per NMC rules, private medical colleges should provide a stipend on a par with that of government medical colleges.

“It is observed that the requisite data is still to be furnished by many colleges. The failure of these medical colleges in submitting the information regarding payment of the stipend to the interns/residents is considered seriously, and the medical colleges who have not submitted the requisite information are hereby directed to show cause as to why penal action should not be taken against them,” NMC stated.”

Sources in the Department of Medical Education alleged that several private medical colleges are not giving stipends fixed by the government, which is why they have not submitted the details of the stipends paid.

Speaking to The Hindu, B.L. Sujatha Rathod, Director, Directorate of Medical Education, said, “UG interns, PG residents and Senior Residents or PGs in Super Speciality in government colleges are being provided stipend by the government itself and there is no shortage of fund. Details will be obtained from the medical colleges and sent to the NMC. However, a notice will be issued to private medical colleges and an explanation sought, and then we will take further action.”