SRINAGAR: The protest by veterinary interns at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K) over revision of their monthly stipend entered its 17th consecutive day on Wednesday at the university’s Shuhama campus.
The interns, under the banner of the Jammu and Kashmir Veterinary Students Association (JKVSA), are demanding an increase in the stipend from the existing ₹6,000 to ₹23,000. They said the stipend has remained unchanged since 2011 despite rising expenses and the clinical and field responsibilities associated with their internship.
The protesting interns have also met Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar over the issue but said the government has not provided a written assurance on revising the stipend.
JKVSA president Saqlain Rashid said verbal assurances were not sufficient and that the interns would continue their protest until the government gave a written commitment.
The interns said their training involves clinical duties and travel within the university, to other districts and states and to remote areas, while the monthly stipend remains ₹6,000.
Intern Toiba Bashir said the interns were seeking revision of the stipend after 15 years without an increase. She also claimed that veterinary interns at several institutions elsewhere in the country receive stipends exceeding ₹20,000.
The protesters said they would continue the agitation until the government provides a written assurance on revision of the stipend.