AP veterinary students protest low stipends, demand parity with MBBS interns
Interns say they have been getting a stipend of Rs 7,000 per month since 2013, while medicos are being paid Rs 25,906.
SVVU students staging a protest in Tirupati (Photo | Express)
Updated on:
07 Mar 2025, 8:41 am
VIJAYAWADA: For over a month, veterinary science students across Andhra Pradesh, including those at Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU) in Tirupati, have been protesting against low stipends.
They demand a revision, citing stark disparities: Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) interns receive Rs 7,000 per month—unchanged since 2013—while MBBS interns earn Rs 25,906. Postgraduate veterinary students get Rs 9,000, compared to Rs 64,000 for medical counterparts, and Ph.D. scholars receive Rs 10,000.
“This is blatant injustice,” said P Naswar Khan, president of the Andhra Pradesh Veterinary Students and Graduates Association. With around 2,000 students across four veterinary colleges, Tirupati, Gannavaram, Proddatur, and Garividi, and 300 final-year interns, including 69 at Garividi, frustration is mounting.
Khan pointed out that BVSc interns, who spend six months at polyclinics and another six at farms, zoos, and laboratories, bear additional expenses for accommodation and transport without extra support. “Our stipends were once on par with MBBS students in 2013, but medical stipends have increased while ours have stagnated,” he said. Students also noted that veterinary fees rise annually, whereas government medical college fees remain fixed while stipends increase.
The Veterinary Council of India (VCI) took up the issue, with its president, Dr Umesh Chandra Sharma, writing to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on February 13, 2025, following a student appeal on February 12. He stressed veterinarians’ role in preventing zoonotic diseases and ensuring food safety, arguing that their stipends should match those of medical students.
SVVU students have formally demanded a stipend hike to Rs 25,906 for undergraduates and Rs 64,000 for postgraduates, with a 15% annual increase. They claim their protests have been ignored for 13 years. Research scholars also report funding shortages due to budget constraints.
SVVU vice-chancellor (in-charge) Prof. JV Ramana told TNIE that the issue was raised with the State government in July and October 2024, with assurances that it is under review. His team, along with parents, is persuading students to halt their protests.
Minister K Atchannaidu has reportedly discussed the matter with the Chief Minister, who proposed a 50% stipend hike. However, students, learning this unofficially, insist on at least Rs 15,000 and vow to continue striking.
The YSRCP has urged the government to act immediately, stressing the need to support veterinary students and safeguard farmers’ interests.
Garividi vet college students’ future hangs in limbo
The future of 69 final-year students at Garividi Veterinary Science College remains uncertain as the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) has yet to recognise their third, fourth, and fifth years. “Without recognition, we can’t intern or apply for PG exams,” said final-year student D Lokesh Sai. Amid a month-long strike, sources say VCI approval is progressing.
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