Minister Pankaja Munde thanks Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers for the decision
Mumbai, November 2026 : The decision to increase the internship stipend for final-year veterinary students will encourage them and strengthen veterinary healthcare services in rural areas, Maharashtra Environment and Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde said.
She said the decision would provide financial relief to students studying under the Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU) and motivate them to serve in veterinary hospitals in rural areas. Munde thanked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar for approving the increase.
The state Cabinet has decided to raise the monthly internship allowance for veterinary students of MAFSU by Rs 7,000.
Under the guidelines of the Veterinary Council of India, final-year veterinary students are required to undergo a one-year internship at veterinary hospitals operated by the state's Animal Husbandry Department. During this period, students are provided financial assistance to meet expenses related to accommodation, food and travel.
Earlier, students received a monthly stipend of Rs 11,000. The state government has now decided to increase it to Rs 18,000 per month.
Of the revised amount, Rs 15,000 will be contributed by the state government, while the remaining Rs 3,000 will come from the funds of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University.
Since ICAR provides financial assistance for only six months, the university will utilise its own funds to meet the stipend expenses for the remaining six months of the internship.
Improved Veterinary Services for Livestock Owners
Welcoming the decision, Minister Pankaja Munde said that protecting livestock health, providing quality veterinary services to animal owners and strengthening the veterinary healthcare network in rural areas were among the government's key priorities.
She said the stipend increase was approved to support final-year veterinary students pursuing their education under MAFSU.
Gaining practical field experience during the final stage of veterinary education is extremely important, she said. The internship provides students with an opportunity to work in rural veterinary hospitals, understand various livestock health problems and participate directly in veterinary services.
Munde said the government had taken the decision keeping in mind the importance of the students' responsibilities and the contribution they make during their internship.
Financial Support and Encouragement for Veterinary Students
The minister said the increased stipend would not only provide financial assistance to veterinary students but also encourage them to work in rural and remote areas.
The decision is expected to improve the availability of trained personnel at veterinary hospitals, particularly in underserved regions. It will also help students gain practical experience, enhance their professional skills and prepare them to serve as competent veterinary officers in the future.
Munde emphasised that the decision was not merely an increase in the internship allowance but part of the government's broader strategy to strengthen veterinary healthcare services across Maharashtra.
The initiative aims to support veterinary students, improve the availability of trained veterinary professionals in rural areas and ensure better services for farmers and livestock owners.
She added that the state government remained committed to taking further measures to protect livestock resources and safeguard the economic interests of farmers and animal owners across Maharashtra.
