BANGALORE: The state government will table a Bill in the next session of the State Legislature to protect the Kaval (grazing lands) and other lands belonging to the Animal Husbandry Department, said Animal Husbandry Minister T B Jayachandra on Sunday.
Speaking at a state-level technical symposium organised by the Karnataka State Government Veterinary Association, the Minister said that thousands of acres of land belonging to the department are encroached and steps need to be taken to get the land back.
He said that the issue will be discussed with the Revenue Department officials soon. On delay in recruitment of veterinary assistants, Jayachandra said, “The process to recruit 1,064 people for the service has started. But the officials concerned have not completed the process. It is pending from the last six months as they are still verifying the documents. I have told them to appoint qualified candidates and issue a circular for fresh recruitment as per the rules. At present SSLC is the basic qualification required for the post. They should consider making PUC or equivalent as the minimum qualification for the post.” He also maintained that veterinary education was as a challenge and last year three institutions were derecognised.
The minister said the government ensured that the institutions were again recognised and also ensured funds of `200 crore to improve the quality of education.Replying to a memorandum submitted by the Veterinary Association, Jayachandra said, “All the issues will be discussed at Tuesday’s meeting that will be attended by Animal Husbandry Department Secretary, Commissioner and other officials.”
300 VETs to be Recruited
Jayachandra said that after he took charge, 331 veterinary doctors were appointed and were placed in the place of their choice. “The selection, appointment and posting were done in a transparent manner. More than 250 to 300 such professionals will be recruited once the recruitment rules are reorganised. In two months time these issues will be sorted out,” he said.He said that suggestions have been given to veterinary experts to make rural service compulsory for students holding a higher degree. He also stressed on the need to manage fodder in an effective manner to boost yield. “To increase productivity, fodder and nutrients have to be good and veterinarians should keep farm improvement in mind,” he said. Department Secretary Ashwathnarayan Gowda, said DPAR and Finance Department officials have been appraised.
President of the Association and Joint Director of the Department, Dr R K Cheluvaiah said, “Many offices are locked and are poorly maintained. There is shortage of `D’ group staff also.”
B Panduranga Nayak, Animal Husbandry Department Commissioner, D M Das, Director, Animal Husbandry Department and Karnataka Veterinary Council President Chandrashekhar Murthy were present.