Srinagar, Oct. 20 -- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has approved an increase in the monthly stipend of MBBS and BDS interns from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000, government sources said.

The Health and Medical Education Department is likely to issue a formal order on Wednesday.

The development comes amid renewed protests by medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir, who resumed their agitation on Tuesday, accusing the government of failing to honour its written assurance to enhance their stipend within 30 days.

The interns had staged protests last month, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000. They called off their agitation on September 9 after the government assured them that their demand would...