Fisheries science students will get stipend from this year: Jain

Minister for Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fisheries Abhayachandra Jain has said that the  State government would give stipend to the final semester students of fisheries science from this academic year.

Speaking after inaugurating ‘Waves 2015,’ an inter-collegiate youth festival, organised jointly by Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU), Bidar and College of Fisheries in Mangaluru on Monday, he said a stipend of Rs 11,000 per month would be given to the students during the last six months of their course when they are sent to different firms or units to get hands-on experience in the field.

The students of the fisheries science, a four-year bachelor degree course, had been demanding the stipend on the model of stipend given to the students of veterinary and dairy sciences. The Finance department has given nod for the proposal and will be started during the academic year itself, Jain added.

“Many a time the final semester students were sent to work in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and students have to spend from their pocket. The introduction of stipend will reduce their burden,” he said.

Vacancies

The minister said that the State government had taken measures to fill the vacancies in the fisheries department. This will provide ample of opportunities for the fisheries college students.

The posts in the fisheries department have not been filled for the last five years. About 90 posts are lying vacant. The files related to the filling of the vacancies is before the finance department for the approval. Once it is approved, measures will be taken to fill the vacancies.

Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Sciences University Vice Chancellor Prof C Renukaprasad said that the stipend was being provided for the students of the fisheries sciences for the first time. The final semester students of veterinary sciences are getting stipend for the last few years while the students of the dairy sciences are getting the stipend since 2013, he added.

The government has released Rs 2.50 crore for the renovation of the College of Fisheries in Mangaluru. Grants are also expected from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Renukaprasad said.

College of Fisheries Dean Dr Shankar K M, KVAFSU Registrar Dr H M Jayaprakash and KVAFSU Director of Student Welfare Dr B V Shivaprakash were present.

The students from seven colleges, affiliated to the University, are participating in the competition. It will conclude on October 21.