Rajasthan FMG Stipend Issue: No Govt Approval for RajMES Medical Colleges

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Medical Education Society (RajMES) has officially clarified that the state government has not granted approval to provide stipends to Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) undergoing internship in its medical colleges. This notice has created widespread concern among FMG interns across the state.

What RajMES Stated

RajMES issued a circular on 1 November 2025, informing principals of all RajMES-run government medical colleges that the Finance (Rules) Department, through ID No. 212500597 dated 10 September 2025, has not approved stipend payments to FMG interns.

This affects FMG interns posted at multiple RajMES colleges, including:
Jhalawar, Bharatpur, Bhilwara, Barmer, Churu, Dungarpur, Pali, Sikar, Alwar, Karauli, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Sri Ganganagar, Dausa, Sirohi, Dholpur, Hanumangarh, Bara, Nagaur, Sawai Madhopur, Banswara, Jhunjhunu.

NMC Guidelines Referenced but Not Implemented

RajMES also highlighted an important point from the Finance Department:

• FMGs who meet NMC’s 4 March 2022 circular guidelines may be exempt from paying internship fees (up to 7.5% of seats),
• But stipend payment still lacks approval, meaning colleges cannot proceed with paying FMGs.

Indian Interns Are Receiving Stipend

Meanwhile, Indian Medical Graduates (IMGs) in Rajasthan government colleges are currently receiving stipends of around ₹21,700 per month, creating a disparity that FMGs are calling “unjust” and “discriminatory.”

Legal Background

FMG interns recently approached the Supreme Court, arguing that stipend is a rightful entitlement for all interns performing the same duties. They cited earlier judgments that affirmed stipend as a mandatory component of internship remuneration.

The petition was filed by Dr. Charu Mathur on behalf of FMGs at Government Medical College, Dholpur.

Why This Matters

• Equality Issue: FMGs perform identical clinical duties as Indian interns but remain unpaid.
• Financial Hardship: FMG interns often shoulder high educational and living costs without any financial support.
• Policy Gap: Despite NMC guidelines and court observations, lack of administrative approval blocks implementation.
• Impact on Internships: Many FMGs may avoid Rajasthan for internships if the situation remains unresolved.

What’s Next?

• The matter may escalate based on the Supreme Court’s future directions.
• FMG groups continue demanding parity with Indian interns.
• RajMES awaits clear government approval before taking any action.
• Pressure is increasing on the Rajasthan Finance Department to resolve the disparity.