New courses on animal welfare at JNU aimed at creating jobs

 The initiative came into view after an MoA was signed between JNU and animal welfare body under the Environment Ministry to conduct academic programmes on animal welfare sciences. This course is aimed at preparing competent manpower for various posts in zoos and veterinary hospitals.

“Courses based purely on various aspects of animal welfare will be conducted for the first time in the country. To recognise animals as sentient beings, capable of experiencing pain and suffering, and to promote their welfare is an issue of importance and a part of the social development of nations worldwide,” the university said.

S C Garkoti, professor in the School of Environmental Sciences, JNU, talked about what led to this pact and said: “The ministry of environment, forest and climate change invited different institutes to discuss about the introduction of academic programmes on animal welfare and the pact was given to the JNU on the basis of their strong hold on academics and finances.” The MoA was signed between National Institute of Animal Welfare (NIAW) and the JNU.

Being a new subject, the course will focus on educating students about animal welfare and the basic idea will be to spread awareness regarding the same. It is also initiated to develop professionals in the field of animal welfare especially people who are engaged with the Animal Welfare Board of India, zoological authority and animal handlers. 

Those who are not professionally trained will be given proper guidance to get a better understanding of animal welfare. Prof Garkoti also talked about providing a direction to youth for employment in this sector and said: “People trained under these programmes will certainly get jobs in the zoological parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Various tools of training will be taught and the ministry will also provide a helping hand to generate employment.”

An institute known for its expertise in the field of sciences and social sciences, the JNU on animal welfare will not only focus on the biology of animals but also on ecology, social psychology and their behavioural study along with social threat to animals. The curriculum will also include studying climate change as a part of the programme. There will be six certificate courses and one diploma course this year and the master’s degree course will be introduced next year.

He also added that the syllabus is being formulated in consultation with the best professionals and institutes working in the field of animal welfare at a global level. However, the scenario in India, mostly based on different set of species, urban areas, human-animal conflict and behaviour of different species will also be taken into consideration.

Prof Garkoti also mentioned that the introduction of master’s degree and research in these courses in the near future will lead to a global level expertise.