To express their frustration over the Punjab Government's inaction on restoring pay parity with medical officers, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Vets for Pay Parity has announced a state-level protest in Mohali on September 1. Veterinary Officers from across the state, along with retired Vets, will gather at the Director of Animal Husbandry Punjab’s office for a day-long dharna.
The vets have been agitating since June 24, boycotting services like Artificial Insemination and other central schemes. Despite multiple assurances from Animal Husbandry Ministers, the Government has not reinstated the pay scale of Vets, which was reduced from Rs 56,100 to Rs 47,600 during the previous Congress regime under Finance Minister Manpreet Badal.
JAC convener Dr Gurcharan Singh, along with co-convenors and other committee members, criticized the government for defying Punjab and Haryana High Court orders and disregarding recommendations from various Pay Commissions that support pay parity with medical officers. The JAC has called on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to intervene and resolve the issue for the public good.
A JAC delegation also met with Director Animal Husbandry Dr GS Bedi to present their demands. Several prominent veterinarians were present during the meeting.
