New Delhi: About 10,000 veterinary students of seven universities, 38 colleges and two national institutes across the country today stayed away from classes and research work demanding formation of a separate council for veterinary research and education.

During their day-long strike, the students boycotted classes, clinics and laboratories at these institutes, president of All India Veterinary Students Association R S Rajamani said.

Besides, about 200 students, including girls, went on a hunger strike at the campus of Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly, he said.

The students have been demanding formation of Indian Council of Veterinary Research for the veterinary and animal sciences education. At present, the veterinary and animal sciences education research is coming under the Indian Council for Agricultural Research.

Even though the matter has been raised several times in Parliament, the Agriculture Ministry has turned down the proposal.

Agitated over "discriminatory policies" of government, the students took out protest marches in several cities including Mumbai, Hyderabad Bangalore and Kolkata. They also submitted memorandums to their respective district and university authorities, Rajamani added.