Veterinary Interns in Punjab Await Promised Stipend Hike Amid Government Delays
Students at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) in Ludhiana are expressing deep frustration over the prolonged delay in implementing a promised hike in their internship stipend. Despite repeated assurances from both the Punjab government and university authorities, interns continue to receive only Rs 15,000 per month, rather than the revised amount of Rs 22,000 that was officially approved and announced.
Background of the Stipend Agreement and Protests
Last year, veterinary interns staged a 34-day indefinite protest, demanding better compensation for their work. In response, the Punjab government announced in October 2025 that stipends would be raised. A formal notification approving the hike was issued on January 12, 2026, and forwarded to the university a week later. The revised stipend was publicly announced by Animal Husbandry Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian at the Pashu Palan Mela in Rampura Phul, with Vice-Chancellor Jatinder Paul Singh Gill reaffirming that implementation would begin from January 2026.
Student Union Voices Discontent and Allegations of Breach of Trust
Union member Dr Avneet Jassal highlighted that the hike was agreed upon in an official meeting on October 28, 2025, attended by key figures including Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Principal Secretary (Animal Husbandry) Rahul Bhandari, and the Vice-Chancellor. "Despite clear commitments and official communication, nothing has changed," said Dr Jassal, underscoring the students' disappointment.
Intern Dr Dishant Chauhan added, "We were promised the revised stipend, yet we are still being paid the old amount." Other students, including Dr Muhammad Danish and Dr Kamal, noted that multiple meetings with university authorities, such as the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and Comptroller, have yielded only verbal assurances without concrete action.
Demands and Potential for Renewed Protests
The Veterinary Students’ Union has strongly condemned the delay, labeling it a breach of trust by both the government and the university administration. The Union is demanding immediate implementation of the stipend hike, along with the release of arrears for the period since January 2026. They have issued a warning that failure to address these concerns will force students to resume protest actions, potentially disrupting academic and administrative activities at the university.
This situation highlights ongoing issues in higher education and student welfare in Punjab, raising questions about the accountability of authorities in fulfilling promises made to aspiring professionals in the veterinary field.
