Rajasthan is Progressing Rapidly in Livestock Development – Minimum Standards Needed for Veterinary Hospitals: President, Veterinary Council of India

Jaipur : Dr. Umesh Chandra Sharma, President of the Veterinary Council of India (VCI), emphasized that veterinary hospitals remain a significant challenge in the animal husbandry sector. He stated that minimum standards should be implemented for veterinary hospitals. Dr. Sharma was addressing a program at the State Veterinary Council auditorium in Pashudhan Bhawan, Jaipur, on Monday.

He mentioned that the council has taken important decisions to improve veterinary education. He clarified that no state government will be allowed to open new veterinary colleges unless existing colleges have complete faculty. Additionally, state governments must determine the number of colleges they actually need, and approval will be granted based on their demand. Dr. Sharma also announced that admissions to veterinary colleges will be based on success in NEET and central counseling. Furthermore, an attendance portal will soon be operational to prevent faculty proxy issues after March 31.

Dr. Sharma highlighted the excellent condition of animal husbandry in the country and praised the efforts being made in Rajasthan, where veterinarians are doing commendable work. He appreciated the state’s initiatives, such as mobile veterinary units and call centers, describing them as positive steps by the state government. He noted that Rajasthan is progressing rapidly in the field of livestock and animal husbandry development and emphasized that collective efforts can help overcome challenges in veterinary medicine.

On this occasion, Dr. Bhawani Singh Rathore, Director of Animal Husbandry, expressed concerns about the quality of veterinary education and requested the council’s intervention. He stated that the proliferation of veterinary colleges has affected quality and urged the council to issue directives ensuring that standards are not compromised.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Umesh Chandra Sharma has been elected as the President of the Veterinary Council of India for the third time. The VCI, established by the Government of India, is the highest body for veterinary medicine in the country, responsible for maintaining high standards of veterinary education and protecting the professional interests of veterinarians. It also advises the central and state governments periodically.

The event was attended by Dr. Anand Sejra, Executive Officer of the State Livestock Development Board; members of the State Veterinary Council; Dr. P.C. Bhati, Additional Director of the Animal Husbandry Department; Dr. Praveen Sen; Dr. Suresh Meena; and other senior officials from the department.