Now, JNU to offer academic courses on animal welfare

“We have signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for the transfer of operations and management of academic activities of the National Institute of Animal Welfare,” a senior JNU official said.

The National Institute of Animal Welfare was earlier managed by the Environment Ministry. The memorandum was signed on June 29 by JNU vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar and Joint Secretary, Environment Ministry Anil Sant.

The agreement allows JNU to venture into animal welfare with six one-month certification courses and one six-month diploma course, beginning this session, and also start a master’s course after one year.

“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,” he added.