MAFSU students to get Rs 18,000 stipend, Pankaja Munde orders faster teacher recruitment

Animal husbandry minister Pankaja Munde has directed officials to speed up development work at the Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU) and provide students with necessary facilities. The directions were given at a meeting at the ministry, where several important issues related to the university's academics, administration and infrastructure were discussed.

The biggest issue at the meeting was a proposal to raise the stipend for students of the BVSc and AH (Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry) course. On the lines of the stipend given to students of other medical courses, MAFSU students are now planned to be given a monthly stipend of Rs 18,000. A fund of Rs 4.12 crore has been stated as required for this. Minister Pankaja Munde told officials to start the process of getting this proposal approved at the earliest possible cabinet meeting.

The meeting also discussed recruitment for vacant teaching and non-teaching posts at the university. Calling it a priority for the development of MAFSU, the minister reviewed the recruitment process and told officials to speed it up. Directions were given to prioritise teacher recruitment to meet the required number of teachers as per the guidelines of the Veterinary Council of India (VCI). Recruitment for non-teaching posts was also asked to be completed soon.

The meeting also reviewed infrastructure and construction work under way at various locations under the university. The minister took stock of the current status of projects related to academic buildings, hospitals and hostels being built in Mumbai, Nagpur, Parbhani, Shirwal Udmir, Warud and Moshi. Pankaja Munde directed that progress reports be prepared for all construction work and that it be completed within the stipulated time. She also stressed that students should get hostel facilities and other necessary amenities on time.

The meeting also had a long discussion on student stipends, internship allowances, and fees for veterinary and dairy technology courses. Directions were given to complete the necessary process in all related matters soon.