Uttar Pradesh govt triples veterinary internship stipend to ₹12,000

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a major hike in the internship stipend for veterinary science students, increasing the monthly allowance from ₹4,000 to ₹12,000. The decision, taken during a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow, is expected to provide substantial financial relief to students pursuing veterinary education across the state.

The move comes amid growing demands for better financial support for professional course students, particularly those undergoing mandatory internships and clinical training. Officials believe the revised stipend structure will help improve student morale and encourage more students to pursue veterinary sciences as a career.

Speaking about the decision, Uttar Pradesh Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Dharampal Singh highlighted the critical role veterinary professionals play in maintaining animal health and strengthening the livestock economy in a state with one of India’s largest cattle populations.

According to Singh, veterinary doctors are essential in disease prevention, epidemic management, livestock quality improvement, and ensuring rural economic stability. He added that strengthening veterinary education is necessary to support the state’s expanding dairy and animal husbandry sectors.

The revised stipend will benefit students studying at several major veterinary and agricultural institutions in Uttar Pradesh, including Uttar Pradesh Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Veterinary Science University and Go-Anusandhan Sansthan, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology.

Government estimates suggest that more than 300 students will directly benefit from the enhanced internship allowance. The decision was reportedly influenced by higher internship stipends already being provided in states such as Haryana, Karnataka, and Kerala, prompting Uttar Pradesh to align its support structure with national standards.

Officials stated that the stipend increase will lead to an additional annual financial burden of nearly ₹4.20 crore on the state government. The expenditure will reportedly be managed through the non-salary component of university grants.

Education experts say the move reflects increasing recognition of the financial challenges faced by students in professional courses that require extensive fieldwork and internships. Many students had previously argued that the earlier stipend amount was insufficient to cover accommodation, transportation, and daily training expenses.

The government believes the revised financial support will not only reduce student stress but also promote educational equality and motivate young professionals to contribute to animal healthcare and rural development in the state.