Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 24
The Nagaland Veterinarians’ Association (NVA) in its general conference-cum-orientation held here today re-affirmed to uphold the dignity and honour of the veterinary profession and to safeguard its rights and interests.
Since its inception in 1979, the NVA has been working for safeguarding the interest of noble profession and upholding the dignity of all the professionals at large, said NVA president Dr. Ilang. Speaking on the occasion as guest speaker, Dr. Aomangyang Walling, HoD, animal husbandry & veterinary services, Nagaland said that the service of veterinary profession is highly demand in many respects.
“We can be social reformers. We can be economic revolutionists. We are the technocrats. We are the scientists,” he said. We are the one who are needed most whether in the field or policy making decision body, he said and challenged the veterinarians to prove themselves worthwhile that they are multi-dimensional asset for the state, for the people especially for economic revolution aspect.
Referring to the high levels of meat consumption in Nagaland, he said “Let us be the messenger to our people that our people should be good producer as much as we are very good consumer.”
Dr. Waling, who is also president of Nagaland State Veterinary Council (NSVC) asked the veterinarians to update their knowledge and stay focus on the latest technology in order be presentable in every aspect.
“Let us be an asset and make ourselves as an asset for our people,” he said. He told the veterinarians that their compound should be a demonstration unit for the people to learn all the animal husbandry activities.
Dr. Waling said that veterinarians are walking on two tracks like railway as they are managing animals and also human resources as well. He said veterinarians are looking after farms (animal husbandry aspect), extending veterinary services and also extension services. “Government of India is trying to facilitate the field veterinarians as the livestock extension facilitators,” he said.
Further, he called upon veterinarians to discharge their duties smoothly and efficiently and bring a drastic change for betterment of the people. Dr. Ilang said Association played an active role in the establishment and inauguration of the Veterinary College Jalukie which was inaugurated by union minister for agriculture Radha Mohan Singh on August 6, 2016.
He said the long awaited service rules of the animal husbandry and veterinary services was tabled in the 13th session of the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 2016 and approved and was notified where the NVA involved right through from the start. The Gauhati High Court on October 25, 2016 gave the final judgment of the seniority list which was challenged by the batch of 1994 and supported by the NVA, he said. The NVA through a memorandum represented to the government for the retired veterinary officers for granting 25% NPA at par with the medicos and accordingly it was granted and notified through office memorandum of the government in 2017.
Dr. Ilang said that the NVA represented to the Chief Electoral Officer Nagaland for exemption of election duties to veterinary doctors as “clearly envisioned in the guidelines of the ECI on 24th January 2018” and endorsed copies to all the District Election Officers for immediate action. The inaugural function was chaired by NVA general secretary Dr. Michael Imti Imchen while NVA assistant general secretary Dr. Esther Krocha read out the activities of the Association. Former director Dr. T. Odyuo also present at the conference.
Later, the NVA in the form of resolution has agreed to propose to the government for post creation of VAS (Veterinary Assistant Surgeon) and more VFS (Veterinary Field Assistant) in addition to the existing shortage of VAS and VFS staffs.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ilang has been re-elected as NVA president. Other team of new office bearers includes; vice president – Dr. Apilo Kikon, general secretary- Dr.Imomanen Tzudir, assistant general secretary- Dr. Vikato Sema, publicity & information secretary- Dr. Chubasangla, finance secretary- Dr. Keduovizo Visa and Dr. Khriekuolie Linyu as treasurer.
