Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Sunday urged the people to stop cruelty to the animals.
Outlining the significance of the animal husbandry sector in the economy of Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said that this sector is not only providing employment to the people in the remote areas but is also contributing in strengthening the economy of the State.
He said that the State Government has taken various effective steps to strengthen this vital sector especially keeping in view the benefits of the farmers.
Speaking during the State veterinarians’ convention in district Kangra, the Chief Minister said, two new polyclinics, 36 veterinary hospitals and 43 new veterinary dispensaries were opened in the state during the last four years.
Moreover, a livestock development board had been set up with a view to establish and run the Gau sadans. To begin with an annual fund of Rs 10 crore had been set up which could be enhanced depending upon the demands, he added.
He stressed upon the need of proper training to the staff engaged in artificial insemination so that the results of the efforts bore fruit and the quality of the progeny could be maintained. He said trainees should be accompanied by their seniors before their posting so as to ensure fruitful results.
Virbhadra Singh said that a new cattle policy had been framed to encourage the development of the indigenous breed in the state. During the last four years, as many as 136 veterinary doctors, 298 veterinary pharmacists, 40 clerks and 215 class four employees were recruited to strengthen the department.
In addition, services of the 74 veterinary doctors, 745 veterinary pharmacists, 26 clerks and 51 class four employees were regularized during this period, said he.
The Chief Minister assured the veterinary doctors to ponder upon their demands sympathetically. Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the new building of Primary Health Centre along with residences at Gopalpur constructed at a cost of ` 1.18 crore.
The Chief Minister also dedicated the lachchon bridge near Padhiyarkahr constructed at a cost of ` 90 lakhs. He also laid the foundation stone of the proposed circuit house at Palampur to be built at an outlay of ` 5.40 crore.
On the occasion, Rural Development and Animal Husbandry Minister Anil Sharma highlighted about the activities being carried out by the department in the state.
He said that effective steps had been taken up to deal with the problem of the stray cattle in the state.