Veterinary interns at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) staged a peaceful demonstration on Monday at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry campus in Shuhama, Ganderbal, demanding an immediate enhancement of their monthly internship stipend.
Under the banner of the Jammu & Kashmir Veterinary Students Association (JKVSA), the student body representing students of Sher-e-Kashmir Universities of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir and Jammu held a protest at the SKUAST-K campus, demanding a stipend hike.
Gathering outside the main administrative block, clad in lab coats and scrubs, scores of veterinary interns held placards and raised slogans to highlight their long-pending grievances.
The protesting students pointed out severe disparities in monthly stipends compared to medical interns across the Union Territory, as well as veterinary counterparts in other states. They highlighted that while medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir receive significantly higher monthly allowances, veterinary interns continue to receive a meagre sum that barely covers basic living and commuting costs.
Students emphasised that their internship routines involve round-the-clock emergency duties, livestock care, ambulatory services and field postings without adequate financial support.
JKVSA President Saqlain Rashid said the university had recommended a hike in their monthly stipend three years ago, but the file had been pending with the Finance Department since 2023.
“Our stipend is very low, only Rs 6,000, while interns at other universities in the country are paid Rs 23,500,” he said.
He said the interns had to travel to other districts and cattle farms for clinical training, fieldwork and emergency duties. “We have to pay from our own pocket. How can we arrange money for travel when we are paid Rs 6,000 only?” he said, urging the government to process the file and increase their stipend.
Rashid said they would launch an indefinite strike if the government failed to address their demand and hike their stipend.
The protest by veterinary and animal husbandry interns comes amid a week-long protest by MBBS and BDS interns in Jammu and Kashmir, who are also seeking a hike in their monthly stipend.
About The Author
