Maharashtra govt hikes monthly internship allowance for final-year veterinary students to Rs 18,000

The Maharashtra government has increased the monthly internship allowance for final-year veterinary students from Rs 11,000 to Rs 18,000, providing a hike of Rs 7,000. The decision will provide financial relief to students studying under the Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries University.

The increase in monthly internship allowance was approved by the state cabinet and is aimed at providing financial assistance to students and strengthening veterinary healthcare services in rural areas.

“The decision to increase the in-residence subsistence allowance of veterinary students of the Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries University by seven thousand rupees was taken in the state cabinet meeting,” according to the official notification.

As per the directives of the Indian Veterinary Council, it is mandatory for students to work as resident veterinarians in the veterinary hospital of the Animal Husbandry Department of the state government for one year.

Also read MUHS Nashik plans 865 new colleges: 51 for MBBS, most in small towns; big push for allied health sciences

ICAR to provide funds for only six months

Earlier, students were given Rs 11,000 for their accommodation, food and travel expenses. But now it has been decided to give them a subsistence allowance of Rs 18,000 per month.

Of which, the state government will give Rs 15,000. The remaining Rs 3,000 will be given from the funds of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Sciences University .

The Research Council provides funds for only six months. It was decided that the funds for the next six months should be spent from the university's own funds.

Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde said that this decision will provide financial support to veterinary students and also encourage them to serve in rural areas.

This decision will help increase the availability of trained manpower in veterinary clinics, especially in rural and remote areas. Students will get real work experience, enhance their skills and be better prepared to serve as competent veterinary officers in the future, Munde said.

The decision of the state government is not limited to increasing the internship allowance of students, but is part of a broader approach to make veterinary services in the state more efficient, the minister added.