Final year students pursuing Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) staged a massive protest on the campus of NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram, demanding that the stipends for them be increased on par with medical students.
Krishna Reddy, one of a group of students who began their relay hunger strike on the campus on February 10, Monday, said it is unfair on part of the government to pay ₹25,906 to medical students while the BVSc students receive ₹7,000 per month during their one-year internship.
“In 2013, the government fixed ₹7,000 as stipend for both medical and veterinary students. While their stipend saw a gradual increase over the years, ours remained the same. How can an amount, fixed 10 years ago, be enough for us?” he asks.
The Gannavaram branch in Krishna district is one of the four colleges under the purview of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU), Tirupati, offering BVSc, a five-and-a-half year course. The students undergo one year of internship after their final year is completed. Students have been staging protests across the four colleges in Gannavaram, Proddatur, Garividi and Tirupati since February 1 for the same demand.
“Unlike medical students, veterinary students’ internship includes a lot of travelling. While for the first six months, we work closely with Veterinary Assistant Surgeons in any assigned district, the next six months are spent working in poultry farms, zoos, among others. The stipend of ₹7,000 is supposed to cover all the travelling and accommodation expenses. How is it possible?” asks another student Pradeep.
The students said they are having to ask from their parents for money to cover costs incurred during their internship. “How are we different from medical students? They treat humans and we treat animals. Why should there be bias against us?” Pradeep asked.
Meanwhile, SVVU Vice-Chancellor J.V. Ramana said the university has submitted a representation to the government four days back and expecting a response soon.
Published – February 10, 2025 08:06 pm IST