Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 22: The BVSC Internees in Jammu and Kashmir here have demanded enhancement in their monthly stipends, saying that it should be at par with the varsities of other states.
A delegation of BVSC internees, said that they have been moved from pillar to post in the last four years for an increase in monthly stipends but nothing has been done as of now.
They said that the duration of the arduous degree program spans 5.5 years, encompassing a mandatory rotational internship of 12 months.
“During this internship, we are assigned to various locations within the Department of Animal and Sheep Husbandry and Allied, with an additional month allocated for an externship anywhere in India,” they said.
Undoubtedly, they said, these experiences are pivotal for professional development, equipping us with practical skills and invaluable hands-on exposure.
However, the students hailing from remote areas of the state and other parts of India, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, face significant financial hardships, they said, adding that the recurrent requirement to travel to different offices places an enormous burden on their already meagre financial circumstances besides that the recurrent requirement to visit various offices regularly places a substantial burden on their already humble monetary conditions.
“Many students struggle to meet the expenses associated with transportation, accommodation, and other necessities, leading to immense distress and hindrances in the educational journey,” said Tawkeer Ahmad, a final year student.
He said that the stipend amount has remained stagnant at approximately Rs 6000 throughout decades and “we the concerned veterinary interns along with our seniors have tirelessly pleaded with the authorities to consider increasing the stipend to a level commensurate with that offered to veterinary interns in other parts of the country, which amounts to 18000.”
“Despite our persistent efforts and continuous appeals over the past years, the authorities have shown a complete disregard for our plight. The lack of responsiveness from the authorities has only compounded our suffering, leaving us feeling unheard and abandoned,” he added.
Zahid Hussain War, another internee said that the current stipend fails to meet even the most rudimentary financial requirements, jeopardizing the ability to focus wholeheartedly on the academic and professional responsibilities.
Many students are forced to compromise their physical well-being, mental health, and overall academic performance due to financial constraints,” he said.
Other internees said from the last four years they have knocked on the doors of every concerned authority who assured them that immediate steps will be taken but nothing has been done as of now.
They said that NC in the last five years has supported them by demanding an increase in monthly stipends and now the government is theirs and they hope that they will take immediate steps in this regard.
They have sought attention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and concerned Minister Javid Ahmad Dar to look into the matter immediately.
