Vet students’ union observes ‘Black Diwali’ as strike continues

The Veterinary Students’ Union of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, observed a ‘Black Diwali’ this year, citing continued government inaction on their longstanding demands. The decision underscores the growing frustration among students, who have been on an indefinite strike for the past 27 days at the university’s veterinary hospital.

Despite sustained protests, no minister from the Punjab Government has visited the site or engaged in a direct dialogue with the agitating students. The union has repeatedly sought a meeting with Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, but is yet to receive a response. Students have expressed deep disappointment over what they describe as the government’s apathy—particularly in light of its proclaimed commitment to strengthening the education and healthcare sectors.

While a meeting was held last week with the Principal Secretary (Finance), the union reports that no substantive progress has been achieved. Senior police officials — DSP Jatinderpal, SHO Vijay Kumar and SHO Aditya Sharma — along with university authorities, including the deans of College of Veterinary Science, Postgraduate Studies and the director of Student Welfare, assured the students on Monday that a meeting with the Finance Minister would be arranged before October 25. However, no official communication or confirmation has been received to date, said union members.

The students’ primary demand is an increase in the internship stipend from Rs 15,000 to Rs 24,310.

Reiterating their commitment to a peaceful and disciplined protest, the Veterinary Students’ Union expressed hope for an early and favourable resolution. Nevertheless, they cautioned that the agitation would be intensified if the state government continued to remain unresponsive.