AP Veterinary Council Clarifies Status of Para-Veterinary Act
In a significant development, Dr. P. V. Lakshmaiah, Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Veterinary Council (APVC), has firmly stated that the recently enacted Para-Veterinary and Allied Councils Act, 2023 should not function as an independent authority. During a high-level meeting in Vijayawada, he emphasized that the legislation must operate strictly within the framework established by the Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984, a central parliamentary law that takes precedence over state legislation.
Key Concerns Raised During High-Level Meeting
The meeting witnessed extensive discussions dominated by a detailed review of the Para Veterinary and Allied Councils Act, 2023. Officials and veterinary associations expressed unanimous concern that several provisions within the new state act directly contradict the existing Veterinary Council of India Act, 1984. Dr. Damodar Naidu, Director of Animal Husbandry, highlighted a crucial legal principle, stressing that no state legislation can override an Act of Parliament. He specifically flagged concerns that certain sections of the 2023 Act encroach upon the statutory functions of both the university and the veterinary council.
Dr. Lakshmaiah provided crucial context, revealing that he had discussed the matter with former special chief secretary Dr. Manmohan Singh, who had originally proposed the para-veterinary structure. He clarified that the original intention was never to create an independent council but rather to establish a supportive academic and training body operating under the direct supervision of the State Veterinary Council. The chairman explained that the proposal was limited to framing syllabi, conducting examinations, and strengthening training mechanisms without overburdening the university.
Structural Recommendations and Professional Objections
To ensure academic integrity, Dr. Lakshmaiah proposed that such a body must be constituted under the Veterinary Council itself. He recommended its composition include experienced officials from the Animal Husbandry Department, the university's Vice-Chancellor, and Heads of Departments. This structure would oversee curriculum development, practical training, and evaluation processes. Echoing this sentiment, Prof. J V Ramana, Vice-Chancellor of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, proposed that heads of departments must be mandatorily included in the board for all discussions concerning both government and private polytechnic institutions.
Veterinary associations present at the meeting raised strong objections to the use of the term "veterinary" by non-veterinary graduates. They argued that its use in the nomenclature of the para-veterinary council is misleading to the public and violates established professional norms. In response to the brewing tensions, the director of animal husbandry appealed to both veterinary and para-veterinary personnel to avoid emotional confrontations and work collaboratively toward a consensus for the betterment of veterinary services across Andhra Pradesh.
The meeting also addressed the serious issue of alleged fraudulent appointments. Associations brought forward cases of individuals securing jobs as animal husbandry assistants using fake or invalid certificates. They demanded stringent action against such irregular appointments and urged the veterinary council to ensure accountability and uphold the professional standards of the field. Other notable attendees included APVC Registrar Dr. A Eswara Rao, Para Veterinary and Allied Council Secretary Dr. Baby Rani, and representatives from various veterinary professional bodies.
