The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved a significant increase in the internship allowance for veterinary students enrolled in state-run institutions, raising the monthly stipend from Rs 4,000 to Rs 12,000. This three-fold hike aims to provide financial relief and encourage more students to pursue veterinary education and fieldwork.
Beneficiaries and Institutions
The revised allowance will benefit approximately 300 students across three state universities: Uttar Pradesh Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology.
Financial Implications
Officials stated that the government will incur an additional annual expenditure of around Rs 4.20 crore following the implementation of this proposal. The funds will be sourced from the non-salary component of grants provided to the universities.
Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Dharampal Singh said, "The decision will benefit around 300 students pursuing veterinary education in three UP universities. The revised stipend would provide financial support to students and encourage greater interest in veterinary education and fieldwork."
Comparative Analysis and Impact
Before finalizing the decision, the government studied internship allowances offered in Haryana, Karnataka, and Kerala. The minister added that the move would boost students' morale, strengthen parity with other states, and promote greater enthusiasm towards veterinary services and education.
