LUCKNOW, Aug. 23 -- MBBS intern doctors from several government medical colleges staged a protest at King George's Medical University (KGMU) on Saturday, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from the existing Rs.12,000 to Rs.30,000. Interns from KGMU, Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS), Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College, Gorakhpur, and Lala Lajpat Rai (LLR) Medical College, Meerut, among other institutions, participated in the demonstration. The protesting interns said that after completing their MBBS course, they take on substantial responsibilities during their compulsory internship, working long shifts across outpatient departments, wards and emergency services. Despite the workload, they receive a stipend that they say is significantly lower than that offered in several other states and institutions. The interns demanded that the Uttar Pradesh government revise the stipend to Rs.30,000 per month, saying the increase was necessary in view of their workload and responsibilities. Seven intern doctors also began an indefinite hunger strike, stating that they would continue the fast until their demands are addressed.Meanwhile, spokesperson Prof KK Singh said, "KGMU has forwarded the demands raised by the students to the state government, where they are being considered at the appropriate level....