The veterinarians working under the State AnimalResources Department (ARD) have announced on Friday that they would resort to a month-long agitation against the State Government’s step-motherly attitude.
The Odisha Veterinarian Service Association (OVSA) has announced that the veterinarians will wear black bands while working at office fromnow onwards and from April 25 they will start a ‘digital boycott.’
Subsequently, they will observe a ceasework and pen down on May 1, take mass leave on May 15 and finally will resort to mass resignation from May 25 onwards. A Press release from the organisation said that earlier the veterinary doctors were provided the same status and salary as of the general doctors. But the Government withdrew that status 15 years back.
While manpower in the department has reduced to the extent of 30 per cent, the workload has doubled and in this context depriving the veterinary doctors of their genuine dues is uncalled-for, the statement added.
Despite repeated memorandums and meetings with authorities, the State Government has turned a blind eye to the just demands. “About 15 years back, the association had submitted a memorandum to treat them as Entry Group-A, but to their utter dismay, the department has rejected the demand,” said a member of the association. He further added that the Government’s apathetic attitude has disheartened the selfless dedication of the veterinarians. “In this context, we have no other alternative but to resort to agitational programme,” said another active member of the association.