Vet students continue protest, OPD services suspended

Students’ protest at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) entered its 19th day on Monday, with veterinary interns continuing their peaceful sit-in at the university hospital.

Beginning on Monday, the OPD services at the university hospital were suspended as part of the protest. Police officials, including sub-inspector Aditya Sharma arrived on the site, urging students to resume the services. However, the interns responded with slogans against the university and the state government, leading to heated exchanges.

Student leader Tarunpreet Singh Brar said interns were willing to reopen the OPD but it would be done only after university officials provide an update on the progress made regarding their demands. “We treat animals from across the state, working round the clock in shifts. We pay fees and conduct research, yet we are denied our rightful stipend. If the government agrees to pay, we will end the strike,” he said.

Dr Kamalpreet Singh emphasised the need to fill vacant posts in the Agriculture and allied departments. Student leaders expressed disappointment that no government representative had visited the protest site, interpreting it as a lack of concern for agriculture and the protesting students.

The core demand of the protesting interns is to increase their monthly stipend from Rs 15,000 to Rs 24,310, citing significantly higher stipends in neighbouring states. Meanwhile, pet parents coming for consultation had to return disappointed as only emergency services were on.