Students at Chandigarh Dental Institute Launch Hunger Strike Over Stipend Disparity

INDIA: Hundreds of students at Chandigarh’s Dr Harvansh Singh Judge Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital (HSJIDS), Panjab University, have announced an indefinite chain hunger strike. 

The primary demand of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) students, primarily interns, is a stipend on par with their counterparts at Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32 (GMCH-32).

Stipend Discrepancy Sparks Protest

The protest, ongoing for a week, has seen the suspension of the OPD in the dental institute. The students allege that their stipends are significantly lower than those at GMCH-32. 

Currently, MDS interns receive Rs 10,000, BDS interns receive Rs 9,000, while GMCH-32 interns reportedly receive Rs 26,300. The students have communicated their demands to the college principal, Panjab University department of student welfare, and the UT health secretary.

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The students argue that, governed by Punjab rules, they should receive stipends equivalent to those in Punjab, where MDS and BDS interns receive Rs 15,000. In neighboring Haryana, interns reportedly receive Rs 17,000. The students emphasize that their stipends haven’t been revised since 2009 and reject the suggestion to generate funds, stating it is not their responsibility.

Allegations of Pressure and Interference

Protesting students claim that college authorities have exerted pressure, reaching out to parents to convince students to end the protest. There are allegations of potential impacts on students’ examination eligibility due to their participation in the protest. Despite these challenges, the students remain steadfast in their pursuit of stipend parity.

Before initiating the hunger strike, the students organized a protest march from HSJIDS to Vice-Chancellor Professor Renu Vig’s office. They submitted a memorandum outlining their demands and concerns, seeking attention to the perceived injustice in stipend differentials.

University’s Response

A senior Panjab University officer stated that they have received the memorandum and assured the students that their demands would be reviewed. The stipend for BDS and MDS interns in Punjab will be considered in evaluating the students’ case, with the demand currently under consideration. 

The university aims to address the students’ concerns and bring a resolution to the ongoing issue.

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