Animal Welfare Committees to Be Formed in Higher Education Institutions
UGC Makes It Mandatory as per NEP Guidelines
Udaipur –Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, animal welfare committees will be established in higher education institutions to promote ethical, humanistic, and constitutional values among students. Acting on the directive of the central government, UGC Secretary Prof. Manish Joshi issued a letter on June 13 to university vice-chancellors, college principals, and institutional heads, mandating action in this direction.
Shraman Dr. Pushpendra welcomed this historic move, stating that the primary goal of forming such committees is to inculcate values such as empathy, compassion, cooperation, and responsibility among students. It also aims to raise awareness among youth regarding Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution, which emphasizes compassion toward all living creatures.
Committees to Conduct Awareness and Educational Programs
These committees will organize lectures, workshops, and film screenings on animal protection laws, environmental ethics, disease management, and best practices in animal care. Campus initiatives will include the creation of safe feeding zones, first aid teams for animals in distress, and partnerships with local veterinary hospitals and shelters.
Awareness campaigns will focus on animal protection laws, environment, and cruelty prevention. The committees will promote plastic-free and animal-friendly campuses and undertake studies on the implementation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and other relevant laws. Legal aid camps and public interest research activities will also be carried out.
Students will be encouraged to intern with District SPCAs, veterinary hospitals, forest departments, or rescue and disaster management organizations working for animal welfare.
UGC Promotes Community Engagement and Research
The UGC has advised universities to encourage the formation of these committees and promote outreach activities, internships, and research fellowships in this domain. Animal welfare is considered an integral part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
Engaging youth in animal welfare initiatives is expected to support their personal and academic growth.
It is worth noting that earlier, on February 25, 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had also directed all states and union territories to prominently display the slogan “Be Kind to Animals” on all buses and public vehicles.
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