Interns: Salary Justified?

Is the payment given to interns justified?
In some states they recieve stipend of 5-10k?
Should the state government policy change regarding this?

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Honestly, it’s quite disheartening to see how interns are often undervalued. Many companies either pay very low stipends or offer no financial support at all. Interns dedicate their time and energy and often travel long distances just to gain practical exposure and industry experience, and yet, they’re not fairly compensated for it. While learning is important, that shouldn’t come at the cost of basic financial dignity. In many places, a stipend of ₹5,000–₹10,000 is considered enough, but with today’s cost of living, that amount barely covers daily expenses. It would be encouraging if state governments could introduce or revise policies to ensure a minimum stipend or fair compensation standards for interns.

Interns are not just learning they are serving. They deserve to be paid fairly for the role they play in keeping the healthcare system running. If we don’t value our future doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers now, we’re sending the wrong message that care is expected, but not respected. It’s not just a policy issue. It’s a justice issue.

The stipend of 5-10k given to interns in some states often doesn’t reflect the value of their work, especially considering the rising cost of living and inflation. Interns contribute significantly to organizations, often handling tasks that directly impact the business, yet their compensation tends to be low, which may not adequately support their expenses. A policy change could be beneficial, ensuring that interns are paid a fairer wage that aligns with their contribution and the economic realities they face. Providing better compensation would also help attract a more diverse range of talented individuals into internships.

Honestly, I feel the payment given to interns in some states is too low. Getting just ₹5k–₹10k for full-time work doesn’t match the effort and learning we put in. In places like Delhi, interns get ₹30k, while others get much less. The government should make fair policies across all states. Interns deserve better pay and respect for their contribution

Honestly the stipend to the interns is very less and they are undervalued the work done by them but this is the initial stage interns start to learn it is necessary to be paid based on their work and the contribution

This low salary to interns barely covers the basic living expenses and is totally not proportional to the intense workload they handle on a daily basis. Their pay has to reflect their immense contribution. This low pay leads to financial stress, mental health burnout, and extreme resentment. The absence of a central policy is what allows these wide disparities across states creating unfairness and absolute demotivation. It’s time now for both state and central governments to standardize the stipends of interns and keep it in such a way that it covers their cost of living and other general responsibilities.

Interns put in real effort and often handle important work, so giving them just ₹5-10k doesn’t feel fair in today’s world. With rising living costs, state governments should think about updating their policies to ensure fair pay.

Interns should be laid ehat they deserver. They also have to be identified, valued and respected, even they are contributing to the system. Govt should make it compulsory to pay the interns.