573 Medical Colleges Comply With Stipend Rules; Show-Cause Notices Issued to Defaulting Institutes
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has informed the Supreme Court that the issue of non-payment of stipends to medical interns and resident doctors exists in only seven out of 756 medical colleges across the country. The Commission stated that it has already initiated action against the defaulting institutions by issuing show-cause notices and considering penalties.
Submitting a detailed chart before the apex court, the NMC provided the status of stipend payments made to interns, junior residents, and senior residents by medical colleges nationwide.
According to the Commission, there is no dispute regarding stipend payments in 573 medical colleges. Additionally, 176 medical colleges have been established recently and do not yet have eligible interns or resident doctors, making the question of stipend payment inapplicable in those institutions.
The matter is being heard by a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and P.B. Varale. During the proceedings, NMC’s counsel informed the court that seven medical colleges were found to be non-compliant with stipend payment norms and that show-cause notices have already been issued to these institutions. Further action will be taken after their responses are received.
The Commission also informed the court that one medical college remains closed and has no interns, while among institutions running postgraduate courses, only two colleges do not currently have interns, making stipend payments irrelevant in those cases.
Supreme Court Monitoring Compliance
The issue gained national attention after allegations were raised that nearly 70 percent of medical colleges in India were not paying stipends to MBBS interns. Following directions from the Supreme Court, the NMC had instructed all medical colleges to submit details of stipends paid to undergraduate interns, postgraduate residents, and senior residents for the financial year 2023-24.
Medical colleges were asked to provide institution details, stipend amounts prescribed by state governments, and month-wise payment records for MBBS interns, postgraduate residents, and super-speciality senior residents.
In November 2024, the NMC had issued show-cause notices to 198 medical colleges for failing to upload stipend-related information despite repeated directions from the Commission.
The Supreme Court had earlier expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of action against defaulting institutions and urged the NMC to take concrete steps. The court had also directed the Commission to file an affidavit containing details of medical colleges that had submitted stipend payment data.
Nodal Counsel Appointed
During the latest hearing, the Supreme Court appointed advocate Charu Mathur as the nodal counsel for the matter. The court directed all parties to provide their pleadings, charts, and synopses to her so that a consolidated compilation can be prepared for future proceedings.
The apex court has listed the matter for further hearing on August 24, 2026, when it is expected to review the progress made by the NMC and the response of the medical colleges facing action over non-payment of stipends.
Key Highlights
- NMC says only 7 of 756 medical colleges are not paying stipends.
- 573 colleges have no dispute regarding stipend payments.
- 176 newly established colleges currently have no stipend liability.
- Show-cause notices issued to all seven defaulting institutions.
- Supreme Court appoints advocate Charu Mathur as nodal counsel.
- Next hearing scheduled for August 24, 2026.
