After Supreme Court rap and ministry reminders, 65 medical colleges still off NMC records on intern stipends: RTI | India News
NEW DELHI: Despite sharp observations Supreme Court And despite repeated reminders by the Union Health Ministry, the National Medical Commission has failed to implement its own guidelines on payment of stipends to medical interns, with 65 medical colleges yet to submit the required details, according to an RTI reply.On October 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of India took note of a public notice issued by the NMC on July 11, directing medical colleges to upload details of payment of stipend to interns within seven days. The court observed that although the regulator sought information, it appeared to be “dragging its feet”, as no action appears to have been taken against non-compliant establishments. The bench hoped that the NMC would act on its own caveat at least by the next date of hearing.Following the court’s observation, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare wrote to the NMC on November 3, asking it to look into the matter and take appropriate action. After receiving no response, the ministry sent a reminder on December 16.Earlier, in a public notice dated July 11, the NMC had warned that failure to comply with stipend disclosure instructions would result in regulatory action including show-cause notice, monetary penalty, withdrawal of recognition of courses and suspension of admissions.Responding to queries, NMC officials said that out of 764 medical colleges in the country, 595 interns are eligible for training and have to pay stipend. About 560 colleges have submitted stipend details, while about 35 remain defaulters. Officials said the commission has issued several reminders, filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court on November 11, 2025 and issued a show-cause notice on November 3, 2025 warning of action under the NMC Act. They added that the responses of the defaulting colleges are being examined and a final list will be placed before the Board of Graduate Medical Education for action as per rules.However, the RTI reply dated January 19 said that around 65 medical colleges are yet to provide the stipend details. The reply did not clarify whether this high number reflected an earlier stage of data collection or included institutions not eligible for intern training.RTI activist Dr Babu KV, however, said the RTI response does not indicate that any regulatory action has been taken so far against the defaulting colleges despite the Supreme Court’s observations and repeated communications from the health ministry.
