Anantnag, September 8 (KNS) : Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Tuesday urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to address the long-pending demand of veterinary students for enhancement of their internship stipend.

Reacting to the peaceful protest staged by students of SKUAST-Jammu and SKUAST-Kashmir, Inam Un Nabi while speaking to media persons at Anantnag, said the issue, pending with the Finance Department since 2023, warranted an early decision.

“The students are seeking a fair and reasonable stipend, not any preferential treatment. Their demand deserves to be considered on merit and addressed without further delay,” he said.

According to the Jammu & Kashmir Veterinary Students Association, interns at the two universities currently receive ?6,000 per month for six months and ?9,000 for the remaining six months, including an additional ?3,000 contributed by ICAR. The association has cited significantly higher stipends at several veterinary institutions across the country.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Inam Un Nabi said the disparity should be examined by the concerned authorities, particularly in view of the clinical training, field work and emergency duties involved in veterinary internships.

Inam Un Nabi also referred to the Veterinary Council of India’s communication dated May 19, 2026, cited by the students, and urged the administration to review the pending proposal and take a time-bound decision.

Inam Un Nabi said the veterinary students’ protest comes amid ongoing stipend-related agitation by MBBS and BDS interns in Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the need for a broader review of internship stipends across professional health and veterinary institutions.

“Students who spend years preparing for professional service should not have to repeatedly protest for a basic and legitimate demand. The government should engage with them and resolve the matter through a fair and transparent process,” Inam Un Nabi said.(KNS)