Ganderbal, Sep 12: National Conference MP Agha Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday met protesting veterinary interns at SKUAST-K Shuhama campus in Ganderbal and extended support to their demand for a hike in stipend, while questioning the government over what he termed a lack of accountability towards students and young professionals.
The veterinary interns have been holding a peaceful protest for the past six days, seeking an enhancement in their stipend. During his interaction with the protesters, Ruhullah said their concerns should be heard by the administration and resolved through dialogue.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the interns, the MP said the protests by veterinary interns came amid similar demonstrations by medical interns and other sections, arguing that the recurring protests reflected a larger issue of “irresponsibility and lack of accountability.”
“If our students make a request, some demands may be accepted and some may not be, but the most important thing is to respect them, come before them and listen to them,” Ruhullah said.
He questioned the government’s approach towards demands raised by students and other sections, saying legitimate demands should not be viewed as a threat or an act of rebellion.
Ruhullah also highlighted the disparity in stipends, saying veterinary interns in some other states receive more than ₹20,000, while interns in Jammu and Kashmir are receiving a much lower amount.
“Six thousand rupees in today’s time — tell veterinarians, doctors or those who have studied different disciplines to go and work for ₹6,000. It is not possible. This is injustice to them,” he said.
He said students invest years of their lives and significant resources in professional education with the expectation that the government would provide support and opportunities after their studies.
The MP also questioned the allocation of government resources, saying that while expenditure on vehicles and other administrative priorities may be necessary, the stipend of interns and support for unemployed youth should also receive attention.
Ruhullah appealed to Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar to personally meet the protesting veterinary interns and engage with them to find a “common ground” on the issue.
“I request the Agriculture Minister to come to them, talk to them and listen to them. This is not a big problem. There are around 150 students whose stipend has to be increased,” he said.
He maintained that the government might not be able to meet every demand in full, but a mutually acceptable solution could be worked out through dialogue.
Ruhullah further said that the purpose of an elected government was to remain accountable and accessible to the people, arguing that students should not have to repeatedly take to the streets to have their concerns heard.
He warned that if the administration failed to engage with the interns in the coming days, he would consider intensifying his support and amplifying their concerns.
“If no one from the administration or authorities comes, maybe I will have to do more to amplify this. I will have to sit with them for more time and involve more people,” he said.
