NMC Data Reveals 60 Medical Colleges Pay No Stipend

In a concerning revelation, at least 60 medical colleges across India are not paying any stipend to their interns and residents, while over 50 are offering a nominal amount of ₹5,000 or less. The data came to light through a Right to Information (RTI) reply by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

How It Was Found

Kerala-based health activist Dr. KV Babu had filed an RTI on April 2, 2025, seeking a stipend breakdown for interns, postgraduate residents, and senior residents for the financial year 2023–24. In response, the NMC shared a list of 753 medical colleges.

The reply revealed that 33 government and 27 private colleges paid zero stipend, and more than 50 others paid less than ₹5,000.

State-wise distribution

Among the government colleges with no stipend:

• Karnataka: 6

• Maharashtra: 6

• West Bengal: 6

• Andhra Pradesh: 4

• Telangana: 2

• Gujarat: 3

• Assam: 2

• Uttar Pradesh: 3

Private institutions include:

• Gujarat: 4

• Karnataka: 4

• Tamil Nadu: 3

• Andhra Pradesh: 4

• Delhi: 2

• Maharashtra, West Bengal, MP: 1–2 each

NMC’s Response and Past Action

While NMC issues national guidelines, it clarified that stipend enforcement is a state-level responsibility. The commission stated that its role is regulatory and limited to issuing advisories.

Last year, the NMC had issued show cause notices to 198 colleges for failing to submit stipend data. Despite multiple reminders, those colleges—115 government and 83 private—did not respond.

Section 8 of the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations (MSMER) 2023 empowers the NMC to take action if colleges don’t meet the required standards. This includes issuing penalties or ordering further inquiry.

Dr. Babu’s Response

Dr. Babu criticized this as NMC trying to shift responsibility instead of using the powers it already has under MSMER 2023. He said while NMC has the authority to act, it’s passing it on to state governments, which can’t act against their departments.

He also claimed to have taken the matter to the Prime Minister’s Office, and said that if no action follows, he may file an appeal.

Why It Matters

Interns and residents often work 12–24 hour shifts, handling emergencies, ward rounds, and administrative duties, often as the backbone of public hospitals. To receive no financial compensation in return, or barely enough to cover living expenses, raises serious ethical and systemic concerns.

(Input From Various Sources)

(Rehash/Pooja Bansal/MSM)