Srinagar, Sept 14: The ongoing protest by veterinary interns at SKUAST-K Shuhama campus over the demand for a Stipend hike in their monthly stipend may see some movement after a delegation of interns and faculty members held a meeting with Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, with Veterinary Association President Saqlain Rashid describing the interaction as positive.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Saqlain Rashid said the delegation, which included two professors, met the Agriculture Minister around 11:30 am on Monday and discussed the pending proposal concerning the stipend hike.
Rashid said the minister informed the delegation that the proposal for 2024 had been sent directly to the Finance Department, whereas the prescribed procedure requires it to be routed through the Agriculture Production Department (APD).
According to Rashid, the minister advised the university authorities to prepare a fresh proposal and ensure that it is first routed through the APD before being forwarded to the Finance Department.
“He also assured us that if the file reaches him within 30 days, he will make efforts to get it cleared within 20 days,” Rashid said, adding that the minister addressed the concerns raised by the delegation and gave them adequate time to explain their demands.
Rashid said the minister also spoke to the Vice Chancellor during the meeting and asked him to initiate a fresh proposal through the proper channel.
Following the meeting with the minister, the delegation also met the Vice Chancellor, who, according to Rashid, assured them that the fresh proposal would be prepared soon.
“The Vice Chancellor told us that the fresh proposal should be completed by tomorrow,” Rashid said.
The veterinary interns at SKUAST-K’s Shuhama campus have been protesting for several days, demanding an increase in their stipend, which they say remains significantly lower than that being provided to veterinary interns in several other institutions and states.
Rashid, however, said the association would decide its next course of action collectively after consulting the protesting students.
“I have not spoken to the students yet. I will discuss the matter with them first and then make a further statement regarding the protest, including whether it will continue or not,” he said.
Meanwhile, sources told Rising Kashmir that a fresh proposal has been sent in connection with the stipend issue, potentially paving the way for further consideration by the concerned departments.
