MBBS stipend more: Ramaiah University dental students on strike, call it unfair

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Final-year students at Ramaiah University's Faculty of Dental Sciences have initiated an indefinite strike on Tuesday, demanding fair stipends comparable to their MBBS counterparts and other universities.

Currently receiving Rs. 2000 monthly, these dental interns argue for an increase reflecting their workload and educational expenses.

The protest follows discontent over stagnant stipend rates for a decade, despite annual tuition fees of Rs. 8 lakhs with regular increases. Moreover, deductions from the stipend occur for any days taken off, further exacerbating financial strain.

In contrast, MBBS interns at the same institution receive Rs. 18,000 per month, which rose significantly within a year. Dental interns argue that their workload matches that of MBBS interns, justifying parity in stipends.

Students emphasise the need for recognition and fair compensation commensurate with their training and responsibilities.