Outlining the significance of the animal husbandry sector in the economy of Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said that this sector was not only providing employment to the people in the remote areas but was also contributing in strengthening the economy of the State. He said that the state government had taken various effective steps to strengthen this vital sector especially keeping in view the benefits of the farmers.
CM Virbhadra Singh was speaking during the State Veterinarians Convention organized by the H.P. State Veterinarians Association at Palampur in district Kangra today. He said that 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 Gausadans. 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 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. He also urged the people to stop cruelty to the animals. 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. The Chief Minister assured the veterinary doctors to ponder upon their demand of 4-9-14 and other genuine demands sympathetically.
Earlier the Chief Minister inaugurated the new building of Primary Health Centre along with residences at Gopalpur constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.18 crore. Local Gram Pachayat Pradhan Anil Kumar and block Congress President Shri Madan Dixit urged the Chief Minister to upgrade the Primary Health Centre to Community Health Centre. The Chief Minister dedicated the Lachchon bridge near Padhiyarkahr constructed at a cost of Rs. 90 lakhs. He also laid the foundation stone of the proposed circuit house at Palampur to be built at an outlay of Rs. 5.40 crore.
Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker Shri Brij Bihari Lal Butail while speaking on the occasion thanked HP CM Virbhadra Singh for taking State ahead on the path of the progress and prosperity during his period as Chief Minister. He hoped that Shri Virbhadra Singh would become the Chief Minister of the State for the seventh time creating a new history.
