Punjab minister flags off 2 e-vehicles for vet varsity patrolling

In a step towards promoting environmental sustainability on educational campuses, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Punjab Cabinet Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development and Food Processing flagged off two electric vehicles dedicated to routine security patrolling at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU).

The eco-friendly vehicles have been provided by the Vardhman Group, Ludhiana, under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at reducing environmental pollution and supporting green mobility within the university premises.

Amit Dhawan, head, CSR and Administration, Vardhman Special Steels Limited, participated in the event. The Cabinet Minister lauded the Vardhman Group for this meaningful contribution and urged other industrial establishments to initiate similar collaborations. He emphasized that such efforts played an important role in developing clean and green campuses across the state.

Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU, appreciated the efforts of Sarvpreet Singh Ghuman, estate officer of the university, and Nittin Dev Singh, in charge, security wing, for engaging with corporate partners and bringing valuable projects to the university campus. The initiative is expected to strengthen the university’s green infrastructure and promote sustainable practices within the academic community.

Vet students meet Khuddian

Representatives of the Veterinary Students’ Union, Ludhiana, met Khudian today during a function at the university hospital to discuss the issue of stipend enhancement. During the meeting, the minister assured the students that their demand had been accepted. The monthly stipend for BVSc and AH interns has been increased from Rs 15,000 to Rs 22,000.

The students further conveyed that Finance Minister Harpal Cheema had earlier stated that the official notification regarding the stipend increment would be issued by November 12. However, the notification has not been released. In response, Khuddian explained that the Punjab Government was currently occupied with preparations for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and that the official notice regarding the stipend revision would be issued shortly in the coming days.

The Veterinary Students’ Union had been on strike for 34 days, from September 25 to October 28 in support of their demand. The strike was called off on October 28 following an assurance by the Finance Minister. Meanwhile, the students remain hopeful that the official notification will be issued soon.