On August 19, 2025, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a monumental 26-fold increase in the monthly stipend for nursing interns, raising it from ₹500 to ₹13,150. This historic decision, the first revision in 27 years, was approved during a Delhi Cabinet meeting and took effect immediately, benefiting approximately 180 nursing interns across three government-affiliated colleges: Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Lok Nayak Hospital, and Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital. Described as “long overdue,” the hike aims to ease financial burdens and honor the critical role nursing students play in Delhi’s healthcare system.
Key Highlights:
- Stipend Increase: From ₹500 to ₹13,150 per month, a 2,530% jump.
- Immediate Effect: Implemented from August 19, 2025, for all eligible interns.
- Beneficiaries: Nearly 180 interns at three major Delhi government hospitals.
Why This Matters for Nursing Students
The stipend hike addresses a long-standing demand for parity with MBBS interns, who receive ₹30,070 monthly at central institutes like AIIMS. The previous ₹500 stipend, unchanged since 1998, was deemed “unjust and disrespectful” by nursing associations, failing to cover basic living expenses in Delhi, where monthly costs average ₹15,000–20,000 for students. This reform aligns Delhi’s standards with the Union Ministry of Health’s 2022 directive, which set nursing intern stipends at 50% of MBBS intern stipends (₹26,300 in 2022, later raised to ₹30,070).
Key Impacts:
- Financial Relief: The ₹13,150 stipend covers rent, food, and transport, reducing financial stress for students, many of whom come from low-income backgrounds.
- Recognition: Acknowledges nursing interns’ contributions, boosting morale and professional dignity.
- Healthcare Boost: Expected to attract more students to nursing, addressing Delhi’s nurse shortage (1:1,000 nurse-to-population ratio vs. WHO’s 3:1,000 standard).
Quote: “This hike ensures respect and dignity for nursing interns,” said Health Minister Pankaj Singh, emphasizing parity with MBBS interns.
Context: A Long-Overdue Reform
The ₹500 stipend, stagnant for nearly three decades, sparked protests by nursing students, with groups like the All India Government Nurses Federation (AIGNF) highlighting disparities. In 2023, AIIMS Delhi raised its nursing intern stipend to ₹13,150 following the Union Ministry’s directive, but Delhi government hospitals lagged due to bureaucratic delays and “non-cooperation” with central guidelines. The 2025 decision, credited to CM Rekha Gupta and PM Narendra Modi’s guidance, resolves this disparity, earning praise on X for addressing a “27-year neglect.”
Political Narrative:
- BJP’s Claim: The government positions the hike as a corrective to past AAP administrations’ inaction, aligning with Modi’s healthcare vision.
- Criticism: AIGNF’s Anita Panwar noted earlier delays, citing communication gaps between Delhi and central authorities.
Who Benefits and How?
The hike directly impacts 180 nursing interns pursuing B.Sc. Nursing at colleges tied to Delhi’s three major government hospitals. These interns, typically in their final six-month internship, provide critical clinical support, including patient care and emergency services. The increased stipend supports their training while addressing Delhi’s healthcare workforce needs.
Key Benefits for Students:
- Affordability: Covers Delhi’s high living costs, reducing reliance on loans or family support.
- Motivation: Enhances focus on training, potentially improving academic and clinical performance.
- Career Appeal: Makes nursing a more viable career, encouraging enrollment amid India’s 1.96 million nurse shortage (2024 data).
Example: A student at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital can now afford rent (₹6,000–8,000) and daily expenses without financial strain, unlike the ₹500 era.
Broader Implications for Healthcare and Education
This reform strengthens Delhi’s healthcare ecosystem by valuing nursing interns, who are vital to hospitals facing 30–40% staff shortages. It also sets a precedent for other states, with Odisha recently hiking B.Sc. Nursing intern stipends to ₹5,000. The move aligns with India’s push for universal health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, where nurses are key.
Educational Impact:
- Increased Enrollment: Higher stipends may boost applications to Delhi’s nursing colleges, which saw 15,000 applicants for 500 seats in 2024.
- Global Opportunities: Better financial support prepares students for international careers, with 20,640 Indian nurses working abroad in 2024, per the Indian Nursing Council.
- Retention: Reduces dropout rates (currently 10–15%) due to financial pressures during internships.
Advice for Nursing Students
For current and aspiring nursing students, this hike opens doors but requires proactive steps to maximize benefits:
Key Tips:
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your internship status with your college (e.g., Guru Teg Bahadur, Lok Nayak, or Deen Dayal Upadhyay) to receive the new stipend.
- Budget Wisely: Use the ₹13,150 to cover essentials like rent, food, and study materials, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
- Upskill: Enroll in certifications (e.g., critical care, trauma nursing) to boost employability, leveraging platforms like Coursera or NSDC.
- Advocate: Join nursing associations like AIGNF to push for further reforms, such as stipend hikes for diploma or ANM students.
- Explore Abroad: With New Zealand’s demand for nurses (10,640 Indian students enrolled in 2024), consider international programs post-internship, using Delhi’s enhanced training as a stepping stone.
