Srinagar, Sep 12: Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday joined protesting veterinary interns at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shuhama campus, and pressed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to urgently address their demand for an increase in the monthly stipend.
The veterinary interns, protesting under the banner of the Jammu and Kashmir Veterinary Students Association (JKVSA), have been holding a peaceful protest at the campus for the past six days.
The students are demanding parity with veterinary interns in other parts of the country, pointing out that their monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000 has remained unchanged for years. They are seeking an increase to Rs 20,000–23,000.
Expressing solidarity with the protesters, Ruhullah said veterinary professionals play an important role in public health and should be provided dignified stipends and safe working conditions.
He questioned the rationale behind paying interns as little as Rs 6,000 a month, saying students who spend years pursuing professional education should not be expected to work for such a meagre amount.
Ruhullah also raised broader concerns concerning medical interns and reservation, saying an elected government should listen to the grievances of those who elected it.
He urged Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar to meet the protesting students and address their concerns. Ruhullah said he would wait for a day or two for the department or senior authorities to engage with the students.
“The Agriculture Minister is a good person. I know him and he has been my friend. I am sure he will connect with the students,” Ruhullah said.
He warned that if no engagement takes place, he would involve more people and amplify the issue.
The MP assured the students that he would continue to advocate for their concerns and raise their grievances with the administration if the matter was not resolved promptly.
