Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 06 September 2023
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI (M) has called for the swift filling of vacant positions for Veterinary Officers within the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, D. Ayyappan, Secretary of the CPI (M) A & N State Organising Committee, highlighted the pressing issue of the shortage of Veterinary Officers in the region.
The letter stressed that 15 crucial posts for Veterinary Officers have remained vacant within the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration for several years. Ayyappan alleged that the Administration had failed to take concrete steps to fill these positions promptly, resulting in the deemed abolition of eight of these posts. Reviving these “deemed abolished posts” is a complex and challenging procedure, with a remote chance of success.
The CPI (M) Secretary emphasised the hardships faced by farmers due to the absence of Veterinary Officers in the villages. Urgent measures are needed to address this situation by filling the vacant Veterinary Officer positions through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Given the expected delays in the regular recruitment process via UPSC, CPI (M) proposed the appointment of qualified local candidates on a contract basis to meet immediate departmental requirements and to assist farmers.
Additionally, Ayyappan requested that the Chief Secretary take immediate action to approach the Government of India with a plea to revive the eight “deemed abolished posts” of Veterinary Officers. Justification for this revival is considered essential to ensure that critical services can be adequately provided to the community.
The CPI (M) has emphasised the need for quick action to resolve this issue, ensuring the well-being of both farmers and animals in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The shortage of Veterinary Officers poses significant challenges to the agricultural and veterinary services in the region, making the swift recruitment of qualified personnel a top priority.