LUVAS interns protest, demand stipend hike

The intern students of Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS) staged a protest near the university’s veterinary clinic today, demanding an increase in their internship stipend.

The students are currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH) course at LUVAS, having joined in 2020. They claimed that during their internship, they receive Rs 14,000 for the first six months and Rs 17,000 for the following six months. In contrast, MBBS students at PGIMS Rohtak have been receiving a stipend of Rs 24,310 per month since July 3, 2024. The LUVAS students argue that, as per regulations, veterinary and medical students should receive equal stipends.

Despite repeated appeals to the university administration, the students said they have only received verbal assurances, with no concrete action taken so far. Expressing their displeasure over the delay, the protesting interns pointed out that the Board of Management—empowered to address such matters—has not convened a meeting for the past 18 months.

Demanding parity with MBBS students, they reiterated their resolve to continue the protest until their demands are fulfilled.