Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Aug 18: State minister for animal husbandry, Revu Nayak Belamagi, said that steps are being taken to fill the vacancies of veterinary doctors in the state at the earliest. He was addressing a press conference held in the city on Tuesday August 17.
He informed that five crore rupees each had been provided for opening new veterinary colleges in Gadag and Atahani. Grants of Rs 34.31 crore and Rs 29.63 crore have been released to Shimoga and Hassan veterinary colleges respectively, he explained.
Noting that over 50% of posts in the department have remained vacant in Dakshina Kannada district, he informed that 407 posts had been sanctioned to 114 institutions functioning under his department. Saying that 189 vacancies have been already filled up, he assured that the balance 218 posts would be filled up in phases. He observed that the number of mixed breed cattle in the state has been increasing alarmingly, as compared to native breeds. To encourage native breeds of cattle, a sum of Rs 309.34 lac was released under Suvarna Karnataka Cow breed Conservation Project to 39 voluntary service organizations, he added.
To questions posed by reporters, he felt that the Anti Cow Slaughter Bill will benefit the state, as dung and urine from the cattle can be used as organic manure. In tune with the practice followed in Gujarat, slaughter houses can deal in mutton and chicken, he felt.
Department officials, Dr Jayaprakash, Dr K V Halagappa, Dr Shankar and Dr Venkatesh were present at the press conference.