PCMC Veterinary Department Faces Critical Staffing Crisis with 96 Contractual Workers
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) veterinary department is currently grappling with a severe staffing crisis that is hampering its ability to effectively manage animal control and public health initiatives. Out of a total of 98 staff positions, a staggering 96 employees are working on a contractual basis, with only two permanent staff members currently in place.
Permanent Staff Limited to Top Leadership Roles
The two permanent employees are the head of the veterinary department, who holds the rank of deputy municipal commissioner, and the deputy head of department. All other crucial positions within the department remain vacant, including veterinary doctors, curators, animal keepers, and pharmacists. This staffing shortage has created significant operational challenges for the department.
Stray Dog Management Delayed Due to Staffing Issues
Civic officials have confirmed that the staffing situation has directly impacted the implementation of animal control measures. There have been delays in appointing dedicated officials in each ward to address stray dog-related complaints and in finalizing locations for shelter homes. The issue of rising stray dog populations was raised during the PCMC general body meeting held last month, with several corporators demanding urgent action from the civic administration.
Shelter Home Plans and Ward-Level Appointments
In response to growing concerns, the civic body appointed ward-level officers last week to handle complaints related to stray dogs. According to Sandip Khot, deputy municipal commissioner and head of the veterinary department, "We have finalized locations for four shelter homes and are in the process of identifying four more. We plan to set up one shelter in each administrative zone."
Stray Dog Population and Control Efforts
While the state government's final dog census figures from last year are yet to be released, PCMC officials estimate that the city has approximately one lakh (100,000) stray dogs within its limits. Officials report that about 50% of these dogs have been sterilized, with nearly 25% of sterilizations occurring in the last five years.
An unnamed official stated, "Awareness campaigns are conducted regularly and around 10,000 stray dogs have been vaccinated against rabies in the financial year 2025-26. Nearly 30 stray dogs are sterilized daily by PCMC teams."
Proposal Pending with State Government for Three Years
The staffing crisis has been exacerbated by bureaucratic delays. A proposal seeking approval for sanctioned staff strength for PCMC, which includes the veterinary department's requirements, has been pending with the state government for the past three years. This prolonged delay has prevented the department from filling critical positions and addressing the growing challenges of animal management.
Contrast with Pune Municipal Corporation Efforts
In neighboring Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits, civic officials report that a special drive is currently underway to expedite sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination efforts. PMC officials have sterilized 47,273 stray dogs in FY 2025-26, while approximately 1.3 lakh dogs have received anti-rabies vaccines during the same period.
The stark contrast between the two municipal corporations highlights the operational challenges faced by PCMC's veterinary department due to its overwhelming reliance on contractual staff and the absence of permanent positions for essential roles.
