Vets urge govt to reinstate career progression scheme

The Himachal Pradesh Veterinary Officer’’s Association has urged the state government to restore the Assured Career Progression Scheme (ACPS) for Veterinary Officers in the Department of Animal Husbandry. The Association argues the suspension of ACPS is causing financial loss and injustice to the veterinary officers, undermining their service.

The state president of the association, Dr Neeraj Mohan, stated the veterinarians of the state department are working tirelessly to improve the welfare of livestock farmers and contribute significantly to their income. “Veterinarians are working in difficult conditions to provide top-notch healthcare and disease prevention services to animals, supporting the livelihoods of farmers, shepherds and society at large,” he said.

The general secretary of the association, Dr Madhur Gupta, highlighted the lack of promotion opportunities for veterinarians in the department. He pointed out promotions within the department, from Veterinary Officer to Deputy Director, are based on placements, with very limited higher positions available. Dr Gupta said the department has only four posts of Joint Director and one post of Director, meaning after nearly 30 years of service, many veterinarians have no chance of promotion. Gupta stressed the ACPS, which had previously provided a career progression avenue, had also been stopped, further exacerbating the problem.