Students demand hike from ₹6,000 to ₹23,000; Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar invites delegation for talks at Secretariat

Aqzar Raheel 

Ganderbal, Sept 13(KNZ/TMJ): The protest by veterinary interns at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K) entered its seventh day on Sunday, while their hunger strike continued for the third day as students pressed for an increase in their monthly stipend from ₹6,000 to ₹23,000.

The protesting interns have demanded a revised stipend structure, arguing that the existing amount is inadequate to meet their expenses during internship. They have also highlighted disparities between the stipends paid to veterinary interns in Jammu and Kashmir and those offered by institutions in other states.

Saqlain Rashid, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Veterinary Students Association, said the students were seeking parity with interns at other universities, including institutions with lower rankings.

“Our demand has always been that the stipend should be increased from ₹6,000 to ₹23,000. If students in different states, including those studying at universities ranked lower than ours, are receiving ₹20,000 to ₹23,000 or more, why are we being denied the same?” Rashid said.

He said the existing stipend amounted to only ₹200 per day, which was insufficient for students undergoing veterinary training.

Rashid also highlighted the academic standing of SKUAST-K, saying the university was recognised at both the national and international levels and had several international students enrolled.

“Not only is our university recognised nationally, but it also has an international reputation, with several international students enrolled here. If we calculate their daily stipend at approximately ₹200, it amounts to around two US dollars, which is inadequate,” he said.

The students’ demand has also been taken up with Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar. According to Rashid, the minister has invited a delegation of students, along with designated faculty members, to the Secretariat on Monday for discussions on the stipend issue.

“We have discussed the matter with Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, who has invited us to the Secretariat tomorrow. We hope our genuine demands will be addressed,” Rashid said.

However, the students have said that their peaceful protest will continue until the government provides a written assurance on their demands.

“Our peaceful protest will continue until we receive a written assurance,” he said.(KNZ/TMJ)